The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Rod and Jools in full swing with No 1 spot
Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland’s collaborative album Swing Fever has topped the UK chart.
The record is comprised of covers from the big band era, featuring tracks including Lullaby Of Broadway, Good Rockin’ Tonight and Pennies From Heaven.
Speaking after the record was confirmed at No 1 in the album chart, Sir Rod, 79, said: “Are we happy about this, Jools? Totally unexpected.”
Holland, 66, added: “I’m so happy, (this has) never happened to me before. So I’m delighted, thank you so much.”
It is the first UK No 1 album for Holland, who is best known for fronting BBC Two show Later... With Jools Holland, on which he brings together artists for live performances.
Sir Rod, who is the former frontman of rock band Faces, last had a No 1 album more than four years ago with You’re In My Heart, which featured some of his classic vocal tracks accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
He now has 11 charttopping albums to his name, which means he draws level with David Bowie, Taylor Swift and U2, according to the Official Charts Company.
Stewart and Holland have been promoting their album on TV shows including Dancing On Ice, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Sir Rod has described Swing Fever as “a celebration of the joy and spirit of swing music”.
Elsewhere in the album chart, Millennials by Scottish indie outfit The Snuts debuted at No 2, while Stick Season by US artist Noah Kahan remained at No 3.
In fourth spot is The Weeknd’s 2021 album The Highlights, while Thanks For Hating by British rapper Potter Payper has debuted at No 5.
For the second week in a row, Beyonce’s Texas Hold ‘Em tops the UK singles chart.
In second spot is Lose Control by Teddy Swims, with Beautiful Things by Benson Boone at No 3.
Stick Season by Kahan is at No 4, while End Of Beginning by indie outfit Djo has moved up six places to take the No 5 spot in the charts.