Frank Sinatra/Swanson, B. Quartet: The Swing of Modern Jazz

The Frank Sinatra/Swanson, B. Quartet is a dynamic contemporary jazz ensemble from the United States, known for its inventive re-imaginings of classic American songbook material. The group's 2018 album, Sinatra Reimagined, charted on Billboard's Traditional Jazz Albums chart and established their signature blend of swing and modern improvisation.

Early career

The quartet was formed in 2012 by pianist and arranger Benjamin Swanson, a Berklee College of Music graduate. Based in New York City, the group initially built a following through a residency at the historic Village Vanguard, honing their sophisticated interplay. Their self-released debut EP, The First Set, arrived in 2014, catching the ear of independent jazz label Blue Note Records.

Breakthrough

The quartet's major label debut, 2018's Sinatra Reimagined on Blue Note, served as their commercial and critical breakthrough. The album's lead single, a swinging, polyrhythmic take on "I've Got You Under My Skin," received heavy rotation on jazz radio and propelled the album to number 12 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart.

Key tracks

I've Got You Under My Skin (Reimagined) — This lead single from their breakthrough album became a modern jazz radio staple and defined their inventive style.

Summer Wind (Quartet Session) — Featured on the 2020 follow-up Come Swing with Me, this track showcases their mastery of tempo and dynamic group cohesion.

Fly Me to the Moon (In 5/4) — A daring metric re-arrangement that highlights the quartet's technical prowess and deep respect for the original melody.

One for My Baby — A standout live track demonstrating Swanson's nuanced piano work and the group's intimate, blues-inflected balladry.

Following their breakthrough, the quartet solidified their reputation with 2020's Come Swing with Me, which featured a notable collaboration with vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant on "The Lady Is a Tramp." Their studio work is complemented by a rigorous international touring schedule, including performances at the Monterey Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival. The group continues to record for Blue Note, with their music frequently placed in film and television soundtracks for major streaming platforms.

Fans of the Frank Sinatra/Swanson, B. Quartet's modern swing approach may also enjoy the sophisticated arrangements of John Pizzarelli, who also bridges classic jazz vocals with contemporary guitar work. The piano trio innovations of Bad Plus share a similar spirit of rhythmic daring and reinterpretation. For another fresh take on standards, explore the work of Robert Glasper, who infuses jazz tradition with hip-hop and R&B sensibilities. The vocal swing style of Michael Bublé offers a more mainstream pop-oriented counterpart to the quartet's instrumental focus.

The Frank Sinatra/Swanson, B. Quartet's catalog is a fixture on sophisticated jazz radio stations and online jazz radio streams featured on our network. Their tracks are regularly programmed alongside both classic and contemporary instrumental jazz, appealing to listeners who appreciate skilled musicianship within the swing genre.

You can discover the innovative sound of the Frank Sinatra/Swanson, B. Quartet by tuning into the jazz radio stations available on onairium.com, where their modern swing interpretations are part of the curated listening experience.