Stewart Prosser: Far From Home – A Soulful Journey Through Resilience and Reflection

Review By Glen Parkes

Stewart Prosser, the renowned trumpet player and former member of 1980s icons The Style Council, steps into the spotlight with his debut solo EP, Far From Home. Released on February 14, 2025, through Elm Tree Records, this three-track collection is a heartfelt exploration of social iniquities and personal resilience, with its lead single Fogbound offering a glimpse of what’s to come on January 17.

Drawing on influences from jazz legends like Jon Hassell and Miles Davis to contemporary visionaries like Kenny Wheeler and Nils Frahm, Prosser’s compositions blend jazz and ambient soundscapes into a mesmerizing winter reflection. The EP captures his deeply personal response to a world fraught with challenges, particularly for younger generations. “The melodies came to me as I was trying to capture a mood that sits somewhere between jazz and ambient sounds,” Prosser explains. “I hope the tracks speak to personal fortitude, optimism, and resilience.”

The EP opens with Lost Dawn, a meditative piece that introduces Prosser’s poignant trumpet melodies against a backdrop of rich piano and understated percussion. The track sets the tone for the EP’s introspective journey, enveloping the listener in a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Jody Smith’s arrangements complement Prosser’s playing beautifully, crafting an atmosphere that is simultaneously reflective and hopeful.

Next is Punchbag, a more dynamic track that channels the frustrations and struggles faced by today’s youth. The interplay between Prosser’s trumpet and Smith’s layered instrumentation creates a sense of tension and release, symbolizing the push and pull of resilience against adversity. The subtle complexities in the arrangement highlight the duo’s skill in blending jazz traditions with modern ambient textures.

The EP concludes with Fogbound, a piece that feels like a warm embrace on a cold winter’s day. Prosser’s trumpet soars with emotional depth, carrying the listener through a journey of self-discovery and hope. It’s a fitting finale to a collection that invites introspection while offering a sense of solace and renewal.

Recorded at Herne Studios in Hampshire and mastered by Lucky Kilmartin, Far From Home boasts impeccable production quality. The EP’s artwork, featuring photography by Jacq Justice and design by Miles Prosser, is a visual extension of its themes of searching and reflection.

Far From Home is of artistry and emotion, a testament to Stewart Prosser’s ability to channel his experiences into music that resonates deeply. With its evocative melodies and masterful arrangements, this EP is a must-listen for fans of jazz, ambient music, and those seeking a soundtrack to moments of quiet reflection. Truly captivating.

Tracklist:

1. Lost Dawn
2. Punchbag
3. Fogbound