Jools Holland Expresses Amazement Over First Number One, Thanks to Collaboration with Rod Stewart
Jools Holland, the accomplished 66-year-old pianist and TV presenter, is celebrating his first UK number-one album with “Swing Fever,” a collaborative project with Sir Rod Stewart that revisits the big band era’s classic tunes. The achievement is particularly significant for Holland, marking five decades in the industry and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his first band, Squeeze.
In an interview with BBC News, Holland expressed the immense importance of this accomplishment, humorously noting that the last big band record to top the charts was likely in 1946. The celebratory mood was set by Sir Rod, who revealed that he commenced the festivities a night before the official announcement, celebrating with Martinis after a performance at a Prince’s Trust dinner.
Holland’s prior highest chart placement was in 1982 with a Squeeze compilation, reaching number three. Reflecting on the recent success, he explained that as his career evolved, mainstream success with swing music seemed improbable, making the current achievement even more meaningful. Acknowledging Sir Rod’s pivotal role in bringing attention to this genre, Holland emphasized the significance of the legendary vocalist’s contribution.
Beyond their musical collaboration, Holland and Sir Rod share passions for model railways and classic cars. Discussing their common interest in model railways, they highlighted the rare opportunity to delve into detailed conversations about landscapes and architecture, contrasting with the swift planning of their musical collaboration.
Sir Rod, reminiscing about his first number one album in 1971, recalled the emotional drive to his parents’ house, sharing the moment with them. The interview also touched on their shared love for classic cars, with Holland owning a collection that includes a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1968 Jaguar E-type.
Amidst the jovial banter, Sir Rod expressed his irritation with potholes and politicians, emphasizing the need for decisive political leadership. While both artists have individual tours lined up for the year, they expressed hopes of collaborating again in November, intending to bring their unique, punk-infused take on swing music to the stage.
As the conversation delved into the realm of number one albums, Sir Rod graciously shared his thoughts on fellow artists like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and U2, marveling at the idea of achieving such milestones at 79. Jools Holland wrapped up the interview with a reflective anecdote about his early struggles in the industry, highlighting the resilience that brought him to this momentous occasion, celebrating a well-deserved number one album after five decades in the music scene.
Comment Template