Kandace Springs: The Soulful Voice of Modern Jazz

Kandace Springs is a Nashville-born singer, songwriter, and pianist who has carved a distinct niche at the intersection of jazz, soul, and R&B. Her rich, smoky vocals and sophisticated piano work have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following since her emergence on the prestigious Blue Note Records label.

Early career

Born in 1989, Kandace Springs is the daughter of session singer Scat Springs and was immersed in Nashville's rich musical tapestry from childhood. Her early breakthrough came in 2014 when her independently released cover of Sam Smith's "I'm Not the Only One" caught the attention of Prince, who personally invited her to perform at Paisley Park, and later, the legendary producer and Blue Note Records President Don Was.

Breakthrough

Springs' official debut album, Soul Eyes, arrived in 2016 on Blue Note, produced by Don Was and Larry Klein. The album, a blend of classic soul covers and original material, firmly established her as a formidable new voice in the contemporary jazz scene and led to extensive international touring.

Key tracks

Soul Eyes — The title track of her debut album is a Mal Waldron composition that perfectly showcases her intimate vocal and piano style.

Thought It Would Be Easier — This original song from her 2018 album Indigo highlights her growth as a songwriter with its sleek, modern production.

Pearls — A standout from her 2020 album The Women Who Raised Me, this Sade cover demonstrates her deep connection to the soul and jazz legends who inspired her.

Fix Me — This powerful, blues-tinged original from her 2018 album captures her raw emotional delivery and skilled piano improvisation.

Her 2020 album, The Women Who Raised Me, was a pivotal project featuring her interpretations of songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Norah Jones, further solidifying her place in the jazz vocal tradition. Springs has also collaborated with notable artists like Ghost-Note and David Sanborn, expanding her reach within the instrumental jazz and funk worlds.

Fans of Kandace Springs' blend of jazz sophistication and soulful warmth should also explore the work of similar artists. Norah Jones shares a similarly intimate, genre-blending approach to piano and vocal jazz. Gregory Porter offers a comparable depth of soulful storytelling within a modern jazz context. Lizz Wright possesses a similarly rich contralto voice and roots in gospel and jazz. Robert Glasper explores the same fusion of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop that informs Springs' contemporary sound.

Kandace Springs' music is a staple on sophisticated radio formats, including smooth jazz stations, NPR-affiliated music programs, and online radio streams dedicated to vocal jazz and classic soul. Her albums receive consistent rotation, introducing her timeless sound to new audiences daily.

The music of Kandace Springs can be heard regularly on the curated radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover her soulful jazz catalog and hear her latest tracks by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.