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Neil Swainson
Born in Victoria, British Columbia in 1955, Neil discovered the acoustic bass in high school and primarily taught himself how to play. From 1975 to 1977, he toured Canada with one of the early pioneers of new age music, the flutist Paul Horn. Soon after, Neil relocated east to Toronto where for the next decade, he worked with such Canadian jazz masters as Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman and Peter Appleyard. During this time he was also the bassist of choice for many visiting American musicians including saxophonists James Moody, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Sonny Stitt and Joe Farrell, pianists Jay McShan, Tommy Flanagan, Joanne Bracken, and guitarists Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. Internationally,
Neil frequently shared the stage with the innovative and dynamic trumpeter Woody Shaw, touring Europe with him in 1985 and again 1987. He recorded two albums with him: In My Own Sweet Way (In’n Out), and Solid (Muse). Both Shaw and tenor sax legend Joe Henderson were featured on Neil’s 1989 debut album, 49th Parallel (Concord Records), and showcased five Swainson compositions.
Valued for his intuitive accompanying skills, harmonic depth, technical prowess and stylistic versatility, Neil also caught the ear of the great, British pianist George Shearing, who invited him to join his band. Neil appeared on over a dozen recordings with the pianist, and together they worked with Canadian composer and arranger Robert Farnon, singers Mel Tormé, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and Diana Krall.
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Mike McClelland Rm 210: You'll Hear It: The Music of Bob Fenton
by Pierre Giroux
The Mike McClelland Quartet in this release has adopted the title of Mike McClelland Rm 210, led by McClelland on drums and joined by a stellar trio of Toronto musicians, including Mike Murley on tenor and soprano saxophones, Reg Schwager on guitar, and bassist Neil Swainson. The band pays a heartfelt tribute to pianist and composer Bob Fenton with You'll Hear It-- The Music of Bob Fenton . Fenton left an indelible mark on the Toronto jazz scene, ...
Continue ReadingNeil Swainson Sextet: Here for a While
by Pierre Giroux
Neil Swainson's Here For A While is a tutorial in modern jazz composition and ensemble synergy. Swainson, a bassist of profound depth and melodic sensibility, has gathered a formidable sextet for this project, including Brad Turner on trumpet and flugelhorn, Kelly Jefferson on tenor andsoprano saxophones, Steve Davis on trombone, Renee Rosnes on piano and Quincy Davis on drums. Together, they bring to life nine compositions that are as intricate as they are engaging, each a testament to Swainson's skill ...
Continue ReadingScott/Grant 5: Horizon Song
by Pierre Giroux
This release from guitarist Andrew Scott and trombonist Kelsey Grant, Horizon Song, is a tutorial in jazz which feels both refreshingly innovative and an ageless classic. This collection of original compositions from Scott or Grant can be categorized by their unwavering coolness and a distinct absence of musical anxiety. The other artists in this session are pianist Amanda Tosoff along with the indispensable rhythmic duo of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke. The opener is the title track, “Horizon ...
Continue ReadingJoel Haynes: The Return
by Jack Bowers
The Return! is certainly well-named, as it is drummer Joel Haynes' third album as leader of his own group but the first in fifteen years, following Cellar Music recordings The Time Is Now (2005) and Transitions (2008). During his long absence from a recording studio, however, Toronto-based Haynes has managed to stay busy, performing with many of the finest jazz artists in Canada and appearing at jazz festivals and other events in North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe. ...
Continue ReadingBrad Turner Quintet: The Magnificent
by Jack Bowers
If the title of Canadian trumpeter Brad Turner's latest album, The Magnificent, sounds a trifle self-absorbed, rest assured it does not refer to him but to another “magnificent" horn player, the late Thad Jones. The honorific, however, would not be unwisely used if applied to Turner himself, who not only excels on the trumpet but also plays tasteful piano and wrote every one of the album's generally engaging themes. Although the group is listed on the album ...
Continue ReadingMike Murley and Mark Eisenman: Recent History
by Pierre Giroux
Mike Murley and Mark Eisenman are well-recognized jazz musicians known for their considerable talent and contributions to the jazz genre. Their collaborative album Recent History is a testament to this music, showcasing their ability to create a cohesive and engaging musical conversation. Added to this satisfying outing is the internationally acclaimed rhythm section of bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke to complete the quartet. The make-up of this mainstream session is four Murley/Eisenman duo tracks ...
Continue ReadingBrad Turner Quintet: The Magnificent
by Pierre Giroux
Brad Turner's album The Magnificent is a sonic gem on which he invites listeners on a musical journey which effortlessly balances tradition and innovation. Comprising a wish-list of stellar musicians, including guitarist Peter Bernstein, bassist Neil Swainson, drummer Quincy Davis and, on four tracks, tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds, the band gathered together to record a session to breathe life into nine Turner compositions. The opening track is “You're OK," in which Turner's trumpet takes center stage ...
Continue ReadingNeil Swainson: 49th Parallel
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
In 1987, Neil Swainson wanted to record six original compositions. At the time, the Canadian bassist was playing Toronto jazz clubs with Canadian drummer Jerry Fuller and pianist Gary Williamson. When Woody Shaw came to town earlier that year, the trio backed him. Swainson also played with the trumpeter a couple of years earlier and recorded on Shaw's Solid album in 1986 and on Shaw's In My Own Sweet Way in February '87. Swainson told executive producer Kate Roach about ...
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Christopher Parnis
bassPhotos
Music
Tryin Times
From: Ryan Oliver Live in VancouverBy Neil Swainson
Gordian Knot
From: Play On WordsBy Neil Swainson
Not With A Wimp But A Banker
From: Play On WordsBy Neil Swainson
A Tune for Cal
From: UndertonesBy Neil Swainson
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Neil Swainson
Instrument: Bass, acoustic
Born: November 15, 1955
