On their hotly anticipated new collaborative album, Swing Fever, Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra unite to pay homage to the swing music that permeated dance halls during Britain's pre- and post-war years. The album is a dazzling collection of 13 tracks that breathe new life into the classics of the era. From the infectious charm of "Ain't Misbehavin'" to the soulful rendition of "Lullaby Of Broadway," each track celebrates the enduring magic of big band swing, and, of course, the unmistakable charm of Stewart and Holland themselves.

The genesis of the album can be traced back to the candid conversations between the two during the pandemic years. United by their shared vision of reviving the spirit of rock 'n' roll's ancestors, these two maestros embarked on a journey that culminated in this magnificent collaboration. Much like the records that Stewart and Holland chose to revisit, the recordings on Swing Fever were captured within the intimate confines of Holland's studio in Greenwich. Here, amidst the cozy ambiance, the two, along with their orchestra, added a palpable sense of vitality and spontaneity to each recording.

"One of the things that Rod said to me is 'I don't want it to sound super-slick,'" recalled Holland. "'I said 'You've come to the right man.' What he was looking for was that edginess that I'm looking for. So I thought 'If we can make a record, it'll be so exciting.' I was really relieved after we did the first session, which was 'Lullaby Of Broadway,' because we were doing exactly what we did naturally."

As the album unfolds, we are treated to a nostalgic voyage through a treasure trove of swing classics, with Stewart's masterful vocals and Holland's dynamic piano performances taking center stage. From the infectious ska influences to Stewart's spirited scat singing, each track is a testament to the duo's unparalleled musical prowess.

It's been more than two decades since Stewart released his Great American Songbook albums, which gave him five multi-platinum albums between 2002 and 2010, and while there are connections, Swing Fever is a whole different thing. Said Stewart, "I think the songs may have come from around the same era, but of course, this is different. The Great American Songbook was nearly all ballads. There was none of this swing stuff in there. It was meant for after-dinner drinks."

At its core, Swing Fever is more than just an album; it's a celebration of joy, camaraderie, and the timeless allure of swing music. With its infectious energy and dynamic performances, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners, inviting them to dance along to the irresistible rhythm of swing.