Drift Away

Last week Swedish singer songwriter Jesper Lindell shared his cover of Mentor Williams’ “Drift Away”, featuring Phil Campbell of The Temperance Movement, from his forthcoming album "3614 Jackson Highway", out on CD, LP and digital platforms on March 6th, 2026, via Yep Roc Records.

In 2024, 30 year old Jesper Lindell took his band The Brunnsvik Sounds on a pilgrimage across the Atlantic to better understand where his favorite music comes from. The destinations were two truly classic studios, in particular: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Alabama, and Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. 2 days were booked in each studio and they managed to record 2 albums worth of material in 4 days. The 1st album is the life affirming and powerful declaration of love "3614 Jackson Highway", a tasteful collection of songs originally recorded at Muscle Shoals.

Of the song, Lindell offers, “‘Drift Away’ is one of my all time favorite songs. The favorite version is by Rod Stewart, from 'Atlantic Crossing', one of my favorite Rod albums. I didn’t know he had recorded that album at Muscle Shoals Sound before we started searching for songs, so for me it was an obvious choice to record it. And it felt just as obvious to invite my friend Phil Campbell from The Temperance Movement to sing with me. Phil does it so well, and his powerful rock voice connects our recording to Rod’s version in the best possible way. I think we really nailed ‘Drift Away,’ but when I listen back, I find myself thinking that I want to hear even more of Phil”.

Phil Campbell of The Temperance Movement adds, “Working with Jesper was a gift. His band are the coolest players with such an authentic blues feel and ‘Drift Away’ is a classic. When Jesper asked me to sing on it and I heard his vocal, I said, ‘What d’you want me to do? It’s perfect already’. Such a joy singing with him”.

Due to flight delays, the band arrived over a day late and the 2 full days they had in Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was shortened to a day and a half. But against all odds, everything fell into place once everything was rigged and ready. A kind of creative rush ensued, caused by pent up energy, joy of playing, jet lag and a general wonder at being in the same studio that had been visited by greats such as the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Duane Allman, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Bob Seger, the Staples Singers, Rod Stewart, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Cat Stevens and so many more.

“I know some might think it’s presumptuous of us to tackle a bunch of immortal songs that already exist in exquisite versions. But to dive deep into the material, to actually play and sing the songs instead of just listening to them, that was an invaluable experience for us, one we learned a lot from. I’m grateful I got to do this and proud of the result”, says Lindell.

Born and raised in the small lakeside town of Ludvika, Sweden, Jesper Lindell 1st came up through the local scene playing soulful rock, roots, and r'n'b in modest bars and rehearsal rooms, developing a reverence for classic American songwriting and the warm, analog textures of the 60's and 70's. His breakout EP, "Little Less Blue", recorded with members of First Aid Kit, revealed a strikingly emotive voice and a natural instinct for blending retro soul with contemporary Americana. Lindell’s subsequent albums, including the lush, horn streaked "Twilights" and the expansive "Before The Sun", cemented his reputation as a craftsman capable of turning personal stories into widescreen, roots steeped soundscapes. Now a staple of the Scandinavian soul rock resurgence, he continues to refine a style that feels both vintage and vividly present, echoing influences from Van Morrison to The Band while carving out a world unmistakably his own.