Jeremy Sadler
USABiography of Jeremy Sadler
Jeremy Sadler is a musician and a member of the British vocal ensemble, The Swingle Singers. Born in the late 1960s, Sadler had a diverse musical background before joining the group. He spent eight years singing in a church choir, as well as performing in rock bands and jazz ensembles. Sadler's dream was to find a way to combine all of these musical styles, and joining The Swingle Singers provided him with the opportunity to do so.
Sadler joined The Swingle Singers at a time when the group was already well-established. Over the years, the ensemble had undergone numerous changes in personnel. Despite these changes, The Swingle Singers maintained their unique sound and style. The group's performances were a blend of classical, jazz, and contemporary music, showcasing their versatility and reflecting their musical journey.
One of the highlights of Sadler's career with The Swingle Singers was the opportunity to perform music by Johann Sebastian Bach. The group started with Bach's compositions and then moved on to Mozart, other classical pieces, and jazz standards before culminating with songs by The Beatles. Sadler appreciated the chance to not only sing but also experience the world through music, as the group performed at jazz and classical festivals, events dedicated to Bach's music, and programs featuring dance ensembles.
Despite the frequent changes in personnel, The Swingle Singers made sure that their distinctive sound remained unchanged. They wanted the audience to experience a seamless transition from one member to another, ensuring that their core principles remained intact. What mattered most to the group was conveying the spirit and style of each piece, without altering any notes. This commitment to their unique sound remained unwavering over the past 40 years, even though significant changes were made, such as transitioning from instrumental accompaniment to performing entirely a capella.
Before joining The Swingle Singers, Sadler was already familiar with the group's music. It had been a part of his musical education, and he had a teacher who recognized the significance of The Swingle Singers' approach to Bach's compositions. The group found a way to introduce the youth to Bach's music, which they might not have otherwise appreciated. The key was to faithfully convey the spirit and style of the music without altering any notes. This approach remained crucial to The Swingle Singers, as they continued to perform Bach's music a capella, allowing the composer's work to shine through.
Sadler had the opportunity to work with the founder of The Swingle Singers, Ward Swingle, who had since left the group but occasionally collaborated with them. Swingle shared his insights and stories about the ensemble's history, and Sadler and the group tried to recreate the sound of the original recordings. However, they discovered that the unique sound of the early recordings was challenging to reproduce. The analog equipment and the necessity of recording quickly during the late 1960s contributed to the live and organic sound that seemed difficult to replicate.
The Swingle Singers' repertoire included a wide range of music, from classical to contemporary. One significant work for the group was Luciano Berio's "Sinfonia," which was composed specifically for The Swingle Singers in 1969. The group continues to perform this piece worldwide. Although it belongs to the complex realm of Western music, the sections written for the ensemble incorporate elements of jazz, scat singing, and fast articulation - what The Swingle Singers refer to as "swingle singing." While other composers occasionally offer new works to the group, "Sinfonia" remains the primary contemporary piece in their repertoire.
The Swingle Singers have had collaboration experiences similar to the one between the original group and the Modern Jazz Quartet. Recently, they formed a relationship with the German jazz trio Klazz Brothers, with whom they performed the project "Classic Meets Cuba." This collaboration proved to be successful, and Sadler and the group plan to continue working together, celebrating Mozart's anniversary and joining forces in upcoming New Year shows.
Throughout their career, The Swingle Singers have maintained a dedicated fan base. During a concert in France, Sadler had a surprise encounter with two members of the original group who came to express their admiration for the current lineup. It was an unforgettable moment for Sadler, who had seen pictures and thought they were taller. The encounter served as a reminder of the rich history and legacy of The Swingle Singers.
Jeremy Sadler has been a vital part of The Swingle Singers since June 1998, along with the other current members of the ensemble who joined after 2000. With their diverse musical backgrounds and unwavering commitment to their unique sound, The Swingle Singers continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
