The Swingles take a look back over almost six decades of vocal artistry, with a programme focussing on the group’s early repertoire and celebrating the five-time Grammy® winners’ extraordinary musical heritage. Featuring everything from JS Bach fugues, to fiendish Bulgarian folk and new original songs reimagined for the 21st century.
One of the world’s most admired and loved vocal groups, The Swingles’ slick style has established them as pioneers of vocal music. This unique and distinctive sound would certainly not have made the impact it did nearly 60 years ago without the music of this composer: JS Bach. Ward Swingle’s iconic arrangements remain strong amidst a programme of folk, jazz and original music, all paying tribute to the group’s beginnings.
The phenomenon of singing Bach’s music to jazz scat settings broke the musical mould and launched The Swingles to fame. The group’s rich history has seen more than 50 albums released encompassing a large variety of music, all heavily influenced by Ward Swingle’s initial creative drive. The music performed by the group today, whether a classical favourite, a traditional folk tune or an original composition, channels the trademark quality which has been passed down from the original singers. Each member of The Swingles throughout its history inherits a unique versatile musicality, culminating in a seamlessly blended and timeless sound. Their reimaginings of jazz, classical, folk and pop songs are, unmistakably, The Swingles.
