This album is a meaningful personal milestone for me.  These songs have lived through celebrations, milestones, and moments that matter, and it means a great deal to share them with people whose ears, encouragement, and influence I respect. – Justin 

MELODY, SWING, LYRICISM, AND RESPECT FOR THE TRADITION.

     Sway is a jazz standards album rooted in melody, swing, lyricism, and deep respect for the classic jazz tradition. The record features Justin Pierce on saxophone, with Ashley Pierce singing on much of the project, alongside Sean Michael Giddings on piano, Young Heo on bass, and Matt Young on drums.

The album moves between vocal standards, instrumental features, Latin grooves, New Orleans colors, ballads, and soul-influenced jazz. The aim was simple: to honor these songs with warmth, taste, and honest musical expression.

    “Sway” opens the album with Ashley Pierce featured on vocals over a relaxed Latin groove. The performance is direct, elegant, and rhythmically buoyant, giving the record an immediate sense of movement and charm.

     “Honeysuckle Rose” sits in a classic swing feel and brings a bright, conversational energy to the album. Ashley’s vocal keeps the melody clear and playful while the band leans into the natural lift of the tune.

Horace Silver’s “Jody Grind” brings a funky boogaloo feel to the record. As an instrumental feature, it gives the band space to settle into groove, pocket, and a more earthy rhythmic language.

Sung in Italian, “Meglio Stasera” adds a colorful, cinematic moment to the album. The double-time Latin/samba feel gives the track motion and flair while still fitting naturally within the broader jazz language of the project.

This instrumental version of Miles Davis’s “All Blues” is set with a New Orleans second line double-time feel. The arrangement keeps the blues language at the center while bringing a fresh rhythmic personality to a familiar jazz classic.

     “Alone Together” brings a faster Latin treatment to one of the great standards. Ashley’s vocal carries the darker, romantic character of the tune while the arrangement gives it forward motion and intensity.

     “Moon River” offers one of the album’s most tender vocal moments. Set as a 3/4 ballad, the performance keeps the melody simple, lyrical, and emotionally direct.

Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” gives the album a quiet instrumental ballad feature. The performance is restrained and lyrical, allowing the saxophone to carry one of the most beautiful melodies in the jazz repertoire.

     “Just the Two of Us” brings a funky soul-ballad feel into the album’s sound world. Ashley’s vocal connects the jazz vocabulary of the record with a warmer, more contemporary groove.

     “L-O-V-E” closes the album with a joyful vocal feature and a New Orleans second line double-time feel. It leaves the record on a warm, celebratory note.

MUSICIAN BIOS

Dr. Justin Pierce — saxophone. Saxophonist, arranger, and educator from the Texas–Louisiana Gulf Coast. Lead alto saxophonist, One O’Clock Lab Band (Lab 2012). Has shared stages with The Temptations, The O’Jays, Arturo Sandoval, and Doc Severinsen; taught at the University of North Texas and Oklahoma Baptist University. Conn-Selmer and Vandoren

endorsed artist. He lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Ashley, and their five children. justinpiercemusic.com

Ashley Pierce — vocals. Vocalist from Orange, Texas, featured on seven of the album’s ten tracks. A McNeese State University alumna, she began performing with Justin in Louisiana and toured Romania with the McNeese Jazz Band in 2010. In the two decades since she has sung with him across Texas and beyond, from concert stages to galas and private events. Based in Fort Worth.

Sean Michael Giddings — piano. Pianist, vocalist, and composer from Kansas City. UNT graduate and One O’Clock Lab Band alum. International tours with Christopher Cross and Pat Green; records as a solo artist on Origin Records, including the critically praised Red Willow. Based in Austin.

Matt Young — drums. Grammy-nominated drummer, composer, and producer. One O’Clock Lab Band (Lab 2013). Toured globally with White Denim; credits span jazz, pop, and indie rock at major international festivals. Based in Denton.

Young Heo — bass. Seoul-born bassist; UNT graduate and One O’Clock Lab Band (Lab 2013). More than 20 studio album credits. Member of the Dallas String Quartet; jazz collaborations include Ellis Marsalis and Delfeayo Marsalis. Based in Dallas.

PRESS & PEER QUOTES

“An impressive musical statement… wonderful; thoroughly enjoyable with great musicianship throughout. Ashley’s voice and interpretation are delightful… pristine tone and impeccable intonation. [Justin’s] saxophone sound is beautiful… always melodic, thoughtful. The band is superb.” — Rich DeRosa, Grammy-nominated composer; Director of Jazz Composition and Arranging, University of North Texas

“I listened to your recording and I enjoyed it very much. Great job — everyone displayed excellence.” — Marcus McLaurine, 30-year bassist for Clark Terry; Count Basie Orchestra