Inga Swearingen
First Rain
Groovin' sister harmonies, guitar and stand up bass rooted in jazz/folk.
Inga infuses her signature jazz style with a good helping of folk and finds herself right at home.
"First Rain" enters new territory with songs rooted in family, farm, nature and love. It’s an upbeat mixture of smoky, bluesy jazz and beautiful down-home folk, with acoustic layers that bloom like a flower. Deeply personal, most of the songs were written, arranged and produced by Inga and feature silky vocal harmonies with her sister, Britta. The instrumentation is warm and intimate, with electric and acoustic guitar, stand up bass, cello, violin and Inga’s signature scatting solos.
“This album is a departure for me musically and it feels very personal,” says Inga. “The lyrics are about the people, places and times that have been and still are most dear to my heart. The making of it felt like a community barn-raising. Friends contributed and donated to the project adding another layer of gratitude to the music.”
A regular guest on "A Prairie Home Companion," Inga has earned consistently high praise from audiences around the world for her effortlessly natural phrasing, infectious positive spirit and vocal gifts that allow her to juxtapose husky textures with silky lightness.
“Inga has a gorgeous voice, very fresh and evocative and note perfect.”
- Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion
Inga uses her voice like an instrument often switching roles and accompanying other members of the band. “I’m very inspired by Bobby McFerrin’s music and outlook. His sense of play and joy in the music resonate with me.” Growing up in a family that loves music and loves singing together (you should hear their Happy Birthday) has encouraged Inga to follow her heart and make music her livelihood.
Jazz: Jazz Vocals