“...a very pleasant journey down a familiar road with fun twists and turns... Donaghy is up to the challenge of taking well-known compositions and delivering interpretations of the classics that are new, fresh and memorable.”   --Mario Carrington, Jazz Police.com

 The Twin Cities Jazz Society announces the release of “Swing On!” This CD, recorded in front of a live audience, features acclaimed Twin Cities songstress and vocal educator Judi Donaghy, backed by the hard swinging Wolverines Quartet romping through a set of ten great standards and blues tunes. The CD release will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22 (8 pm) at Hell’s Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis.

Judi Donaghy has worked in opera, musical theater, jazz, folk, country, gospel, pop, and R&B. She currently works with Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, Urbanstride, The Girls, the Wolverine's Classic Jazz Orchestra, JazzMN Big Band, and “Judi, Cliff 'n' Daves.”  Her lengthy resume also includes work with Yo Yo Ma, Carole King, Janis Siegel, Rhiannon, Garrison Keillor, Marilyn McCoo, the Plymouth Ensemble, Metro Jam, Northrop Opera, Mixed Blood Theater, Cricket Theater, and Moore by Four; a JAZZIZ Magazine award as singer/songwriter, and ongoing work as an on-air talent, jingle singer/writer/producer, and vocal jazz clinician. Judi has sung on more than 30 CDs to date, including her own Sink or Swing and Ballads and Bossas.  Head of the Voice Department at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Judi has given vocal master classes and clinics with Bobby McFerrin and recently completed her Master’s of Education degree at the University of Minnesota.

Swing On! puts Judi in the company of the Wolverines Quartet. Led by drummer Jendeen Forgerg, the Wolves also include pianist Rick Carlson, bassist Steve Pikal, and saxophonist Doug Haining. Not only is this a high-spirited collaboration, it is also a bold one where the musicians developed their set list from audience requests. The result is an eclectic mix of hard swingers (Duke Ellington’s “Tulip or Turnip”), tasteful standards (Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek”), soulful ballads (“Angel Eyes”) and gritty blues (“Muddy Water Blues”). Throw in some more Ellington, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart and more, all introduced by the voice of jazz himself, Leigh Kamman, and you’ve got the ingredients for one of the best of locally produced albums.

Proceeds from the initial sales of the CD at Hell’s Kitchen will be donated to the Twin Cities Jazz Society. Hell’s Kitchen is located at 80 S. 9^th Street, Minneapolis.