With “Judith Owen Swings Christmas,” the acclaimed Welsh-born, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter returns to remind listeners why she remains one of the most magnetic, witty, and emotionally fearless performers in modern jazz. The re-promotion of this much-loved holiday collection arrives at the perfect moment, offering a refreshing blend of joyful swing, bold reinvention, and heartfelt storytelling — all while teasing the arrival of her new album in early 2026.
Judith Owen has built a remarkable career on her ability to reinvent the jazz and blues canon with intelligence, humour, and exquisite musicianship. Praised globally by The Times, Rolling Stone, JazzWise, and Jazz Journal, she has become known for her vibrant, unapologetic approach to artistry. Her 2022 release, Come On and Get It, was a triumphant tribute to the powerful women of 1940s and ’50s music — earning over 3 million streams and selling out shows around the world. Judith Owen Swings Christmas continues that momentum with an irresistible dose of festive charm.
What makes this project shine is the way Owen blends joy with depth. Christmas albums often lean on nostalgia, but Owen — guided by New Orleans musical director David Torkanowsky — infuses each track with personality and emotional clarity. Her interpretations radiate the warmth of classic jazz while embodying her signature feminine fire. Whether she is playfully swinging through an upbeat number or leaning into a more reflective melody, she performs with the conviction of someone who has lived deeply and emerged stronger.
Her artistry is profoundly shaped by her personal journey. Born into a musical family in Wales and raised in London, Owen has always been honest about her struggles with anxiety and depression following the loss of her mother to suicide during her teenage years. Instead of hiding her grief, she transformed it into artistry. “Joy became my rebellion,” she explains — a sentiment that runs like a thread through this joyful Christmas collection. It’s not escapism; it’s resilience set to rhythm.
That emotional authenticity has earned her admirers such as Helen Mirren, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Goodman, Jamie Cullum, and Jennifer Coolidge — all of whom praise her brilliance both on stage and off. And true to form, Owen’s creative world continues to expand. Alongside her music, she co-hosts the candid and humorous podcast Unapologetically Judith Owen, and she and her husband Harry Shearer host the annual charity concert Christmas Without Tears in New Orleans, raising funds for Innocence Project New Orleans.
“Judith Owen Swings Christmas” is also the prelude to a new chapter. Her upcoming 2026 album promises to dive even deeper into themes of womanhood, mental health, resilience, and creative freedom, continuing her mission to celebrate strong, unapologetic women and amplify conversations about visibility later in life.
With a packed international tour — from Los Angeles to Barcelona, London to Switzerland — Owen is once again proving that her artistry transcends borders. Her music, humour, honesty, and radiant stage presence continue to resonate with audiences seeking connection, joy, and meaning.
In a world that often rushes past the magic of the season, “Judith Owen Swings Christmas” invites listeners to pause, smile, and feel something real. It’s festive, it’s fearless, and it’s a beautiful reminder that joy and vulnerability can coexist — and even swing.
Follow JUDITH OWEN on