This is the last of my little line of Valentine’s Day releases that were in my in-tray. I’ve now arrived at late Sunday evening, with Valentine’s Day now a memory only! Still, I have a new EP to listen to and hopefully enjoy. I will give you the background first from the press release and then bring on my EP review.
Trumpet player, composer and member of the 1980s band The Style Council (he was a trumpet and flugelhorn player for them and he played on their number-one selling album ‘Our Favorite Shop’ as well as touring extensively with the band). Stewart Prosser is releasing his first solo work as a triptych of tracks. Entitled ‘Far From Home’, the EP was released digitally through Elm Tree Records on 14 February 2025.
Commenting on the work, Stewart said, “The compositions were prompted by my deep concerns about how difficult the world has become for young people to navigate. The melodies came to me as I was trying to capture a mood that sits somewhere between jazz and ambient sounds. From searching for meaning and sparring with constraints to reflecting on the right path and self-care, I hope the tracks speak to personal fortitude, optimism and resilience. Each musical statement has that at its core.”
Raised amongst a strict small-town religious backdrop, music was an early escape for Stewart. The trumpet fell into his hands; he felt connected: hearing Miles at the same time as The Beatles, Beethoven and early jazz rock brass voicings lit a fuse. Moving to London was the bedrock step. Hardened in clubs gigging with a feisty soul band, he became increasingly in demand in the studio. Being noticed and hired by The Style Council brought opportunities to tour the world, record, arrange, perform, and learn. Number one album, top ten singles.
Love and the need to provide pushed his creative energies in another direction for a while. Valuable new skills were learned. Serious illness is a later turning point. A reassessment that allowed time to develop a broader musical palette and vocabulary. Collaborations with composer Damian Montagu and actor Hugh Bonneville followed, generating a number one classical album and a number one single. He received growing notices as a jazz player and continued his musical evolution, often playing with and learning from other musicians.
The triptych itself was recorded in Autumn 2024 and produced by Jody Smith, a seasoned Irish multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer who has performed with artists such as Van Morrison, Clannad, Bill Shanley, Nigel Price and Carl Orr. His film and soundtrack work has been featured on numerous TV channels and streaming services, and his help on ‘Far From Home’ was essential to creating the atmosphere, tone and character of Stewart’s vision.
My review: The EP consists of three tracks and runs to just over 11 minutes.
“Lost Dawn” opens the EP with a simple piano melody before the trumpet calls. A dreamy number. I am glad I am lying down with my headphones on having a late-night listen. I was very unsure what to expect. I find myself in the world of Henry Mancini and a late-night lament for Winter.
“Punchbag” is more uplifting, almost at odds with its title. It has a little built-in shuffle and a hint of boogie in the sound and I found myself moving in time with it. Steward can certainly play the trumpet and the song is ably supported by Jody Smith. I liked it!
“Fogbound” was the single released before the EP. At this point in proceedings, my teenage son came in to see what I was doing and had a listen. He said that he liked it and would happily have this playing while he did his homework. This one has returned to the feel of winter and closes the EP in a gentle style.
In summary, considering I had no clue what I was going to find, this was very pleasant late-night listening. It was very much that late-night jazz instrumentalization in one of those celler-type bars that the jazz age is synonymous with. I’m glad I listened and recommend you to dip in as well.
Standout Track: “Punchbag.”
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You can stream the EP from here
By Anna-Louise Burgess.
Album Credits:
Trumpet: Stewart Prosser
Piano, bass, percussion: Jody Smith
Photo Credit for the photo of Stewart Prosser, Jacq Justice
Composed by Stewart Prosser
Arranged by Stewart Prosser and Jody Smith Produced by Jody Smith
Mastered by Lucky Kilmartin Recorded at Herne Studios, Hampshire, during Autumn 2024
Released on Elm Tree Records
Photography by Jacq Justice
Design by Miles Prosser
