"Al is without doubt one the most creative musicians I've had the pleasure to work with. He's gently honest in the studio, a truly instinctive improvisor, wonderful composer and selfless accompanist."
Al Swainger
As a creative artist he has worked under the project name Pointless Beauty since 2013. He has released two quintet albums, three solo albums and a host of collaborative and solo singles, to date, blending jazz, ambient, world music and rock into his own personal brand of cinematic fusion.
As a session musician he is in constant demand as a player renowned for adapting to any style with ease and dedication. Recent regular employers include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Blue Lion Band, Michele Drees Jazz Tap Project, Digby Fairweathers Half Dozen, Grice, Groundwork Collective and Mimi & the Mulberries.
As a tutor Al mainly works privately on a consultation basis to help musicians work on sight-reading, improvisation and music theory. He currently also mentors the Marlin School Jazz Band and previously taken workshops and been a regular bass tutor for Marlin School, Exeter Academy of Music, Exeter College, Southwest Music School and Devon Youth Music."Al is without doubt one the most creative musicians I've had the pleasure to work with. He's gently honest in the studio, a truly instinctive improvisor, wonderful composer and selfless accompanist."
Gary Bamford
Composer / Multi-Instrumentalist
"Al is highly inventive and innovative, both sonically and musically, and is extremely intelligent in his approach to music. I would definitely recommend him to anyone wishing to add a sheen of professionalism to their music."
Grice
Composer / Producer / Vocalist & Multi-Instrumentalist
"Al is a serious artistic force. His artistry is expressed through numerous long-running creative projects. He channels his sonic inspiration in a variety of ensembles and is also a talented graphic artist. His work is difficult to categorise, straddling many different styles, consistently pushing the boundaries of composition and performance through use of electronics and technology. He doesn't neglect the acoustic angle either and is also a disciplined acoustic bassist. Al has a rare combination of qualities - creativity plus real organisational skill. He is indefatigable and has the drive and persistence to see things through.
Ant Law
Composer / Guitarist
"A wonderful teacher who has a true love of music, which makes all the difference to students. Gave me the confidence to go to my first open-mic night too."
Kiera Osment
Singer Songwriter / Multi-Instrumentalist
"Al is a great player to work with and extremely musical. He's very prompt and provides great quality content that is in-keeping with the music. It was a great experience working with him, highly recommended!"
Ruth Royall
Singer Songwriter / Session Vocalist
"Al Swainger is an amazing bass player, we worked together on "One Thousand Birds" the 3rd studio album by British singer, songwriter, artist, producer GRICE! amazing sound and musical concept! i really loved to work with him.. hope we'll have the chance to share some music in future! I highly recommend him!"
Marco Maggiore
Drummer / Session Musician
"Al is at once rock solid and delightfuly creative, with extensive musical experience, in a wide range of settings and styles."
Jon Clark
Drummer / Percussionist / Session Musician
"As a regular member of my Quartet for many years, Al has contributed a lot with his musicianship, arranging skills and extensive knowledge of the music industry. A great musician, composer and a very safe pair of hands at any live performance or recording session. ."
Annika Skoogh
Vocalist / Bandleader / Composer
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