Gifted, versatile jazz vocalist Veronica Swift was brought up on jazz and the Great American Songbook by her parents, singer Stephanie Nakasian and bebop pianist Hod O'Brien. One of her earliest influences was the tough big band singer Anita O'Day, but Swift has also always listened to pop, classical music, opera and musicals. For her latest album, simply titled Veronica Swift, she opened the doors wide to all these influences. This led to her most exciting and dynamic record to date. Just listen to Swift’s version of the Ellington classic Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, which she transforms into a raucous blues number with the help of Chris Whiteman’s ripping guitar, or the beautiful I Am Always Chasing Rainbows, which intersects with Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu and on which she rivals Judy Garland. Swift proves she can compose too with the impressive track In the Moonlight.
