Fran Swinn - Old Idea / New Idea

Old Idea / New Idea is Melbourne guitarist, Fran Swinn’s debut on Lionsharecords and her first release since 2011’s trio album, ’Every Dog’. It features new material written for a quartet with vocalist Josh Kyle guesting on three tracks.

With a tip of the hat to many of the modern giants of the jazz guitar, Swinn has created a wistfully hopeful statement with a profoundly supportive band featuring wordless vocals, a folk sensibility and generous collective ensemble interplay.

Recorded in Melbourne’s Soundpark Studios during winter 2022, the session was carefullly coordinated around Covid restrictions and Jayaweera’s brief visit to Melbourne from his current home in Spain.

Jayaweera and Anning are a formidable yet understated team, and combined with the warm embrace of Keevers’ piano along with Swinn’s supple lines, direct tone, ghostly use of effects, and compositional flair, the music on Old Idea/New Idea gently invites you in to join a deeply considered conversation between old friends who can share many a tale.

Songs inspired by people, places, the passing of time, and the passing of friends. Old Idea/New Idea is a rewarding listen and cements Swinn’s place as a unique voice on the Australian jazz landscape.

Featuring:
Fran Swinn - guitars
Sam Keevers - piano and wurlitzer
Sam Anning - bass
Rajiv Jayaweera - drums
Josh Kyle - vocals