Veronica Swift | The Storyteller

Classic Episode 338 - Originally aired January 7, 2021   This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Hod O’Brien   Step into the world of acclaimed jazz vocalist Veronica Swift, an artist who literally grew up immersed in music.   Veronica, the daughter of jazz pianist Hod O’Brien and vocalist Stephanie Nakasian, recorded her first album at age nine and spent her childhood surrounded by musicians who helped shape American jazz. She has already performed alongside Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, Michael Feinstein, Benny Green, and other giants of the genre.   Joining Jeremiah from Scarborough, England, Veronica discusses her remarkable musical upbringing, life on the road, and why she considers jazz “American classical music.” She shares how classical music, opera, rock, heavy metal, bebop, and swing have influenced her artistry—and why she believes,  “We are as good as what we expose ourselves to.”   The conversation also explores the pandemic’s devastating impact on jazz clubs and live performance, the relationship between music and emotion, and Veronica’s belief that the great venues where musicians perform can become almost sacred spaces.   In one of the episode’s most personal moments, Veronica remembers her father, the legendary jazz pianist Hod O’Brien, who died in 2016. She reflects on his influence, his humility, and the chance he had to watch his daughter’s career take flight. This episode is in his memory.   Ultimately, Veronica sees herself as more than a vocalist: “She is a storyteller.”   “Music will change, art will change, the way we talk, the way we share...but storytelling transcends time.”   VERONICA SWIFT   VERONICA SWIFT INSTAGRAM   CHAPTERS   00:00 Introduction to Veronica Swift and her musical journey 02:31 Veronica Swift's early influences and family background 05:53 Her experiences touring with jazz legends 09:06 The impact of the pandemic on live jazz venues 12:03 Music as a reflection of personal and collective experiences 14:56 The influence of classical and opera music on jazz 18:00 The significance of historic jazz venues and their legacy 21:02 Veronica Swift's approach to storytelling and emotional expression 23:49 Her upcoming projects and future vision for jazz     POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve   Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY   Partner with The Jeremiah Show  BRAND PARTNER DECK   The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network  www.thejeremiahshow.com https://radio-evolve.rocks   Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio   THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES    Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” Music Connection Magazine  MusiCares  Omad Records Nicole Sofia Voracious Records Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”   The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS   Jeremiah D. Higgins   Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio   Did you like the music in this episode?  The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks     The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band   NEW SHOWS - Every Friday Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday