The Hot Sardines: Reviving Vintage Jazz and Swing
The Hot Sardines are a New York-based musical collective celebrated for injecting vintage jazz and swing with a modern, energetic spirit. Since their formation in 2007, the band has become a leading force in the 21st-century revival of classic American music, building a dedicated following through dynamic live performances and critically acclaimed albums.
Early career
The Hot Sardines were founded in 2007 by pianist Evan "Bibs" Palazzo and singer Elizabeth "E.B." Boudreau, who connected through a Craigslist ad seeking musicians with a love for Fats Waller. Their initial jam sessions in a Manhattan basement quickly evolved into regular, raucous shows at small downtown venues. This grassroots buzz led to their self-titled debut album in 2011, released on their own label, establishing their signature blend of hot jazz, stride piano, and timeless vocals.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived with their 2014 self-titled album for Universal Music Classics. Fueled by the viral success of their spirited cover of "When I Get Low I Get High," the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Traditional Jazz chart. This commercial and critical success solidified The Hot Sardines' position at the forefront of the new jazz revival, leading to national television appearances and sold-out tours.
Key tracks
When I Get Low I Get High — This 2014 cover became their signature track, showcasing their ability to resurrect a 1930s gem with infectious, modern energy.
Running Wild — A standout original composition that demonstrates the band's skill at writing new songs that feel authentically rooted in the swing era.
Bei Mir Bist Du Schön — Their lively, multilingual take on this classic exemplifies their global approach to the American songbook.
Comme Ci Comme Ça — This track highlights their Parisian influences and Boudreau's charismatic, bilingual vocal delivery.
Following their breakthrough, The Hot Sardines released "French Fries & Champagne" (2016) and "Welcome Home, Bon Voyage" (2018), further exploring pre-war jazz, blues, and global rhythms. They have collaborated with artists like Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and their music has been featured in major film and television soundtracks. The band continues to tour extensively, bringing the joyous, communal experience of a 1920s speakeasy to contemporary audiences worldwide.
Fans of The Hot Sardines' vibrant revivalism also enjoy Postmodern Jukebox, which similarly reimagines modern pop songs in vintage styles. Pink Martini shares their eclectic, cross-genre approach and international repertoire. The classic swing energy can be found with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a staple of the 1990s swing revival.
The Hot Sardines' music is a fixture on specialty radio formats, including traditional jazz stations, public radio music programs, and online streams dedicated to swing and vintage revival sounds. Their high-energy recordings and reputation for electrifying live performance make them a perfect fit for curated playlists that bridge the gap between classic and contemporary.
You can hear the timeless and energetic music of The Hot Sardines on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the classic jazz and swing genres and listen to The Hot Sardines through the diverse radio stations available on onairium.com.
