He's pretty nifty with his words is Al Swainger. We'll get to the music shortly, of course, but there's something about the honesty that the Bristol-based bassist and composer paints his music with that draws you in immediately.
Just looking at the name of his project revolving around the contradictions of "pointless" and "beauty". It's wonderfully self-deprecating in its own way but no less charming as a result.
And then we have the deliciously tantalising title of his most recent full-length album in 'Impure Imagination'. A terrific combination of words which again inspires countless thoughts, ideas and suggestions regarding what those words could constitute for Swainger himself.
Using his music to explore personal themes and concepts about identity and belonging have almost become second nature for Swainger and his determination to do so results in projects that serve as honest depictions of his own all-encompassing approach to jazz. And even that has been honed from years of playing amongst various groups and ensembles - from the improv nature of Rifiki, the more rock-y sounds of Aesculus Hipp, the fusion outfit of Snow Giants or the homages to Art Pepper through the Art Trip or Chick Corea via Biophosmos.
From the variety of varying releases and projects, jam sessions, collaborations... Swainger's tirelessly prolific nature is indicative of his desire to simply create in as pure and unadulterated way as possible. Having previously described his own musical adventures as a form of "cinematic fusion", Swainger enthusiastically embraces a variety of genres and styles including contemporary jazz, downtempo, improvisation and atmospheric soundscapes as part of his own progressive vision.
From the enthralling ambiance of 'Outer Planets II' - comprised of two eighteen-minute pieces - to the standalone solo releases of 'Go Gently', 'Solace' and 'In a Silent Way' to the multi-faceted project, 'After & Before', Swainger manages to reconceive his Pointless Beauty project with each new creation.
While Swainger undeniably proves that he can present incredible pieces as a solo artist, there's a certain magic at hand when one's vision can be brought to life in the hands of an esteemed ensemble, like the modern-day luminaries enlisted for 'Impure Imagination'.
Drummer Jon Clark (Bei Bei Wang, Bristol Salsa Orchestra), pianist George Cooper (The Jazz Defenders, Abstract Orchestra), guitarist Mike Outram (Till Brönner, Donny McCaslin) and trumpeter Gary Alesbrook (Raphael Saadiq, Raul Midòn) deliver some strong star wattage across the album's eleven tracks. The lush slow build of 'The Wheel', the undeniable groove of 'Seedling' or the playful nature of 'I Wish (Upon a Disused Star)' all contribute to an enjoyable and intimately layered project worthy of Swainger's contributions to date.
Al Swainger's website features a wonderful quote that seems apt to share here: "Years of searching taught me that finding my place meant making my place". 'Impure Imagination' is ultimately Swainger's realisation that the search is finally over.
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