Seasons in Jazz is the latest album from award-winning songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Sandra-Mae Lux. A departure from her 2020 disco-inspired debut, Happily Ever Now, this collection of original songs marks a return to her first love – jazz, drawing inspiration from the Great American Songbook and the golden era of songwriting from the late 1920s to 1950s. “I love songs that make me feel something. I love songs that tell a story, take me on a journey, that are filled with meaning and can become eternal. Songs that want to be sung,” says Lux. “The Great American Songbook did all of that and more.”
The recording features two stellar bands: one with pianist Rob Barron, Canadian guitarist Tristan Paxton, bassist Calum Gourley and drummer Sebastiaan de Krom; the other with pianist Christian Vaughan, bassist Dave Jones and drummer Tristan Maillot. “Having two different bands brought out two slightly different feels/approaches to the material, which I thought may be a nice way to keep the listener engaged throughout the whole album,” says Lux. “The subtle differences between Christian and Rob especially gave the album some subtle variation.”
Written in collaboration with her lyricist partner, Alan Marriott, most of the songs started from the words – except for ‘When Autumn Calls’, where the melody took the lead. “This approach allowed us to shape each composition with a strong narrative focus,” explains Lux. “As a songwriter, I find something deeply special and inspiring about AABA song structure.” Thematically, Seasons in Jazz mirrors the changing nature of love, as we turn the pages of the calendar. From the playful excitement of new romance in ‘Are We Having Fun?’ to the wistful longing in ‘When Autumn Calls’ and ‘Everyone Else Knew’ (a personal favourite of both Lux and Marriott), each track captures a snapshot, a close-up of poignant moments in relationships. Some songs celebrate the thrill of the present (‘Love Me Tonight’, ‘Perfect Weather’), while others reflect on love’s fleeting and cyclical nature (‘It’s Only Spring’, ‘Summer’s Coming Again’). The album breathes new life into the canon of the Great American Songbook, with heartfelt odes to deep connection, whether it’s with romance (‘This December Love’) or unwavering friendship (‘There’s A Door’). A special highlight is the bossa nova track ‘Perfect Weather’, presented in two versions – one as an instrumental, showcasing Lux’s expressive saxophone playing, and another with vocals, a tribute to the iconic sounds of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto.
Album launch:
Thursday 29 May
606 Club, London
Seasons in Jazz is released on Sandra-Mae Lux Music in association with ECN Music and dedicated to the memory of Lux’s mentor, guitarist and educator Jeremy Hepner. Seasons in Jazz was recorded by Luke Glazewski at HOXA HQ in December 2023 & July 2024; mixed and mastered by Luke Glazewski; arranged by Sandra-Mae Lux; produced by Sandra-Mae Lux and Alan Marriott.
Sandra-Mae Lux:
A gifted songwriter from a young age, Canadian-born Sandra-Mae Lux earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, performing at the Ottawa Jazz Festival alongside legends like Herbie Hancock and Robert Glasper. After moving to London in 2017, she released her debut album Happily Ever Now (2020) to critical acclaim. Her single ‘You Me and Tomorrow’ (2021) reached #3 on the UK Soul Chart. She has received recognition from prestigious songwriting competitions and was nominated for Best UK Artist at the Bright Star Awards. Beyond music, Lux is also a voice actor, appearing in major Audible productions, including The Sandman, which became a #1 New York Times Bestseller.
