the martini swing

If there’s an artist who’s successfully navigated constellations of rhythm and blues through funk, lounge jazz, and soul, it is Roosevelt, New York native Kyle Jason. Kyle’s early musical roots were cultivated through his DNA. Kyle’s single mom, a singer herself, was a member of early 60’s R&B girl group The Cotillions (styled after Diana Ross and Supremes).  In his teens, Kyle learned his estranged father was doo-wop balladeer Frankie Love,  who charted several singles in the 60’s. 

Kyle’s career trajectory ranges from performing with fellow Roosevelt, LI natives Eddie Murphy, and Public Enemy’s Chuck D, to Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Prince, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Mavis Staples, Isaac Hayes and John Mellencamp, just to name a few. Kyle’s initial major label deal was with Virgin Records and received the highest advance for a new R&B artist at the label, at that time. The project produced significant industry buzz, but was sidetracked by industry politics and the signing of a major established talent.

In 1997 a showcase set up by  Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck D, led to Kyle’s signing with Columbia Records. It was Kyle’s major label debut, resulting in the release of the album, “Generations”, featuring guest appearances by Chuck D, Bootsy Collins and the P Funk Allstars. Critical acclaim followed, and the album delivered the single “Butter Baby”, a smoldering ballad that buzzed around Quiet Storm formats nationwide. 

In 2005 Kyle released the album “Revolution of the Cool”. Its single, “Why Am I So Funky '' became a mainstay on BET, BET J and other video streaming platforms. It also included a DVD component, the documentary "Coming From The Soul'', with rare footage of Kyle's early years and interviews featuring Chuck D and the “Bomb Squad” production team.

In the years that followed, Kyle continued honing his craft, writing and producing songs for film, television and video games. 

In 2016 Kyle created his  signature show, “THE MARTINI SWING”. This show echoes soul and funk artists of the 60’s and 70’s, while combining the triple-threat talent and fashion sense of the Sinatra-helmed “Rat Pack” era. Its legions of fans call THE MARTINI SWING - “The ultimate night out on the town”, “Sophisticated, but not stuffy”, “Elegant but not pretentious”, and “A reason to get dressed again!”.  Kyle’s shows are contemporary interpretations of classic showmanship with exceptional musicians, stylish audiences, impromptu audience participation, and special musical guests. This formula has produced sold out shows in New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, FL, and Charlotte, NC.

Also…THE MARTINI SWING movement is the umbrella project for Kyle’s latest commercial album, The Right Place (2023). In a recent interview, Kyle describes The Right Place as the culmination of his musical identity, “settling into who I am, instead of obsessing over who I wanted to be”. THE MARTINI SWING experience highlights live music, libations, fashion and most of all….fun.

Kyle celebrated The Right Place with his fans, at a sold-out album release party at Charlotte, NC’s Middle C Jazz Club. The album, which is gaining momentum with critics and audiences alike, features the lushly produced singles, “Lay Back (and Love)”, “Something New”, “I Picked this Flower For You”, and “Your Smile”. The Right Place is capturing the recognition of music fans worldwide, with all 4 singles recently topping Amazon UK’s “Hot New R&B Songs” list and reaching Number 1 in Hot New R&B Album Releases.