John Craigie - I Swam Here (CD)

Much of 'I Swam Here' was recorded in New Orleans in January 2025. The album finds Craigie backed by musicians handpicked by Sam Doores of The Deslondes. With Sam on piano, organ and vocals he brought along Howe Pearson on drums, Max Bien Khan on bass Jonny Campos on Pedal Steel and an appearance by Desiree Cannon on vocals on one track. Longtime friend and collaborator, Anna Moss, appears on almost every track. While Craigie served as producer you can feel the influence and the talents of the New Orleans musicians on the seven of the ten tracks that were recorded there. The other three songs were recorded a few months later at the Rope Room up in Astoria, Oregon with a different band but mirroring the aesthetic of the New Orleans sessions. The cover art, painted by B. Schall, who herself has spent time living in New Orleans mirrors the style and design of many samba and jazz records of the 50s and 60s.