Tennessee Whiskey Gets a Jazz Makeover: by Kubla and Friends
When a timeless country hit gets the full jazz treatment, something special happens. “Tennessee Whiskey,” made famous by Chris Stapleton, has always been about soul, struggle, and vulnerability. In this jazz cover from Kubla, recorded live at Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto, the song transforms with smoky trumpet, bouncy bass, and a hesitant, heartfelt vocal. For anyone who loves seeing classics reimagined by talented musicians, this is a version to savor.
Exploring the Heart of “Tennessee Whiskey”
There’s a reason why “Tennessee Whiskey” has stuck with so many people. This is a song about heartbreak, longing for connection, and finding someone who feels like home. Kubla’s version keeps all that emotion front and center, only now it’s draped over a jazzy groove and bathed in lush brass.
Chris Stapleton’s lyrics are simple, but each line packs a punch. The singer describes lonely nights in a bathroom, learning that he could only rely on letting go. Then, a partner arrives who changes everything:
“Let go was the only love I’d ever known.”
“Then you poured your heart out to the bottom. You brought me back from being too far gone.”
As the verses unfold, whisky becomes a clear metaphor for comfort, warmth, and escape. The comparison extends to strawberry wine and even pomegranate, painting a fuller picture of how love can envelop and heal.
Some images jump out for their gentle power. Here’s a closer look at a few:
- Smooth as Tennessee whiskey
- Sweet as strawberry wine
- Warm as a pomegranate
Each symbolizes something comforting, rare, and soothing—a reminder that the right person can be as intoxicating as a favorite drink.
“There’s nothing like your love that can get me high.”
This line sits at the heart of the song. It’s about rescue, relief, and finding strength through affection.
Taking a song from one genre and reworking it in another is never easy. But Kubla and his band pull this off with style and synergy, giving “Tennessee Whiskey” new depth and texture.
This group brings together some of Toronto’s best jazz talent, each adding unique flavor to the performance:
- Kubla – vocals and guitar
- Carlo Santo Domingo – bass
- Christian Antonacci – trumpet
- Joshua Holme – congas
- Mitch Milley – trumpet
Kubla’s voice carries the narrative with a mix of rawness and restraint. The trumpet duo adds sparkle and softness, trading melodies and harmonies in true jazz fashion. Carlo’s bass keeps things grounded, while Joshua’s congas keep the energy rolling forward.
Each member shapes the song’s direction, turning what could have been a straightforward cover into an exploration of style and feeling. Notably, Kubla mixed and edited the recording, keeping the project close to home and highlighting the do-it-yourself spirit of many great jazz sessions.
What makes this cover jazz, rather than just a different arrangement? Here are the key elements:
- Trumpet solos and counter-melodies weave the vocal with bright and mellow tones.
- Syncopated bass lines add groove and movement under each verse.
- Congas create a relaxed, rolling rhythm that brings warmth.
- Loose, jam-session feel lets every instrument breathe and improvise.
- Vocal phrasing rides the beat in a playful, unpredictable way.
These choices change the song’s mood from country heartbreak to smoky-late-night comfort, without losing the story at its core.
Trinity Bellwoods Park, a favorite Toronto gathering spot, sets the stage for this performance. Instead of a big stage or bright lights, the musicians gather casually, creating an intimate vibe that suits the song’s message.
The video captures listeners sitting nearby, soaking up the music as the sun sets. The soft light, open space, and relaxed crowd help the band lean into a sense of community and connection. There’s nothing flashy—just friends, music, and a love of sharing something beautiful.
The camera work, run by Kubla’s friend and roommate Prasann Patel, adds another layer of authenticity. Viewers see closeups of the musicians’ hands, the crowd’s smiles, and little moments that would be missed in a more polished production.
Many of the most memorable jazz sessions are born in exactly this kind of setting—one where the audience and band just share the moment, with no barriers in the way.
It’s no secret: music thrives on teamwork. Here, Kubla and his bandmates step out of their comfort zones to tackle a song from another genre. The way they play together feels like a conversation, each person adding their own voice while honoring the heart of the original.
Behind the scenes, Kubla took on the challenge of mixing and editing the track. This adds a personal touch—you can tell the final sound came from careful listening and respect for every instrument. Attention to detail shines through, from the mellow blend of trumpet and guitar to the careful balance of voice and rhythm.
The presence of friends, like camera operator Prasann Patel, shows how music can bring people together in more ways than one. It’s about more than a polished end product; it’s about enjoying the act of making something as a group.
Jazz-and-country hybrids like this one show what happens when artists take chances. If you enjoyed this fresh version of “Tennessee Whiskey,” there are plenty of ways to get more involved.
- Visit Kubla’s official website for music, tour info, and updates.
- Follow Kubla on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes clips, gig announcements, and more.
- Share the video with friends who love hearing familiar songs with a twist.
- Support local live music by attending shows, streaming tracks, or sending feedback to the artist.
Musicians like Kubla and his band keep traditions alive by blending them with their own perspectives. Every cover or re-imagined hit creates a new memory, both for performers and listeners.
Why This Jazz Cover Resonates
Turning “Tennessee Whiskey” into a jazz standard proves that the boundaries between genres really don’t matter. What counts is honesty—the willingness to play with feeling, to let inspiration run free, and to connect with listeners in real time. Kubla’s cover, with its rich musicianship and heartfelt vocals, manages to honor the spirit of the original while offering something entirely its own.
For those who crave new takes on old favorites or who want to support creative musicians, performances like this are a gift. Kubla’s “Tennessee Whiskey” is a reminder that music lives best when shared—one relaxed evening, one wandering trumpet, and one timeless lyric at a time.
