Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist Sandra-Mae Lux on her latest album 'Seasons in Jazz'

Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sandra-Mae Lux has released her latest studio album, Seasons in Jazz, marking a return to her jazz beginnings. SWOMP caught up with Sandra-Mae to discuss the new album. Now based in London, the Richmond, B.C. native explores the evolving nature of love through original compositions inspired by the Great American Songbook and the golden era of songwriting from the 1920s to 1950s. A departure from her 2020 disco-infused debut Happily Ever Now, Seasons in Jazz blends vintage charm with fresh storytelling. “I love songs that make me feel something… that take me on a journey,” said Lux. “The Great American Songbook did all of that and more.” The album was recorded with two distinct ensembles, creating subtle shifts in tone and feel across its 11 tracks. One group features pianist Rob Barron, Canadian guitarist Tristan Paxton, bassist Calum Gourley, and drummer Sebastiaan de Krom. The second includes pianist Christian Vaughan, bassist Dave Jones, and drummer Tristan Maillot. “Having two different bands brought out two slightly different approaches to the material,” said Lux. “The subtle differences between Christian and Rob especially gave the album some variation.” Working closely with lyricist and Penticton, B.C. native Alan Marriott, Lux says most tracks began with lyrics, with the exception of ‘When Autumn Calls,’ which was built around a melody. “As a songwriter, I find something deeply special and inspiring about AABA song structure,” she said. From playful swing (‘Are We Having Fun?’) to bossa nova (‘Perfect Weather’) and melancholic ballads (‘Everyone Else Knew’), Seasons in Jazz chronicles the shifting seasons of love—both literal and emotional. A standout moment is a dual presentation of ‘Perfect Weather,’ once with vocals and again as an instrumental spotlighting Lux’s expressive saxophone work, a nod to Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto. The album was recorded in December 2023 and July 2024 at HOXA HQ by engineer Luke Glazewski, who also handled mixing and mastering. Lux co-produced the album with Marriott and handled all arrangements. It is released on Sandra-Mae Lux Music in association with ECN Music and is dedicated to her late mentor, guitarist and educator Jeremy Hepner. A graduate of Capilano University’s Jazz Studies program, Lux has performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival alongside legends like Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper. Her 2021 single You Me and Tomorrow reached No. 3 on the UK Soul Chart, and she has earned nominations from the Bright Star Awards and international songwriting competitions. She is also a noted voice actor, with roles in high-profile Audible productions such as The Sandman. Seasons in Jazz is available now on major streaming platforms. Follow Sandra-Mae Lux at https://www.sandramaelux.com/.