Justin Swadling - The Dreamer

A musical style lives of their offspring. Only when young musicians continue to play smooth jazz, this genre will remain alive with new impulses. Such a young hope is saxophonist Justin Swadling.

Graduated from The London College of Music in 2007 he has just released his debut album The Dreamer (2014), which is currently only available as download. Influenced by David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr. Wayne Shorter and Quincy Jones he showcases his creativity with own songs.

Justin is supported on this album by Mike Gorman (keyboard), Mike Outram (guitar), Liam Waugh (drums), Emma Smith (vocals) and the Piatti Quartet (strings). The introducing piece Rem is full of melancholy and reveals the emotional side of the young sax performer.

Fix opens with soulful guitar chords before Justin takes the lead on sax keeping the mood inside. After this long intro of over two minutes the song is taking off. Outram's atmospheric guitar solo is superb. With more than seven minutes this tune is the longest of the album offering the musicians much room to expand the melody line.

Isabelle is featuring singer Emma Smith. She's a rising star on the UK jazz scene and has performed with the likes of Michael Bublé, Dame Cleo Lane and Bobby McFerrin. Capture spreads its own charm with extensive saxophone sounds interrupted by Mike Outram's guitar solo.

Adoration is lost in far-reaching dreamy saxophone sounds. With Resignation Justin creates an energetic counterweight. Mike Gorman shines with vintage waves. Nightfall is a moody piece with a balanced lead of singer Emma Smith and Justin's sax. Final tunes are Rush and Return maintaining the sentiment.

Swadling's album The Dreamer is not part of the entertainment segment. This album is more intended for the thoughtful.