Sweden's Queen of Swing Comes to SF Jazz

Show Notes:

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Swedish jazz sensation and multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling — a trombonist, trumpeter, flautist, harpist, bagpipe player, tap dancer, and bandleader. Known as "Sweden's Queen of Swing," Gunhild brings an infectious, high-energy blend of classic New Orleans jazz and vintage swing, earning her over 80 million social media views and fans worldwide.

We talk with Gunhild from New Orleans, where she's in the middle of a residency on Bourbon Street during Jazz Fest. She shares how she grew up in a deeply musical family in Sweden, what it means to power music with feeling, and how she approaches choosing the right instrument to tell a song's story. She also reflects on her time living in the Bay Area during the pandemic — and how it inspired some of her most personal songwriting, including a love letter to San Francisco.

Topics covered:

• Growing up in a musical family in Sweden and finding her voice at age 15
• The philosophy behind her multi-instrument performances and the influence of Rahsaan Roland Kirk
• What "Jazz is My Lifestyle" means as a personal and artistic statement
• Writing I'll Wait for You in San Francisco during the pandemic lockdown in the Bay Area
• Her upcoming shows at SFJAZZ's Joe Henderson Lab — May 23 & 24 — and what audiences can expect, including new songs, tap dancing, and bagpipes

Music featured in this episode:

• "Jazz is My Lifestyle" — Gunhild Carling
• "I'll Wait for You in San Francisco" — Gunhild Carling

Music provided by the artist and used with her permission. Both tracks are from the album Jazz is My Lifestyle, available now.

Upcoming Shows — Gunhild Carling at SFJAZZ Joe Henderson Lab 📅Friday, May 23 — Shows at 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM 📅 Saturday, May 24 — Shows at 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Joe Henderson Lab is open seating — arrive early for a front-row spot!

🎟 Tickets and info: SFJAZZ.org 🌐 More on Gunhild Carling, including tour dates and music: gunhildcarling.net

Backstage Bay Area is hosted by Steve Roby.