Jazz Articles about John Swana

The Larry McKenna and John Swana Organ Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Café

by Victor L. Schermer
September 1, 2015

The Larry McKenna and John Swana Organ Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA

John Swana & The Philadelphians: Philly Gumbo Vol. 2

by David A. Orthmann
June 4, 2005

The sequel to a memorable 2001 release, Philly Gumbo Vol. 2 consists of pleasurable hard bop by John Swana and a band of mainstays from the fertile Philadelphia jazz scene. Despite the familiar stylistic trappings, the music stands up to repeat listening for several reasons. The original material (nine of ten tracks) transcends the tired, derivative tunes often written in homage to masters of the genre. Swana's compositions, especially “Sid's Dilemma, “Three Of A Kind, and “Quasimodo's Uncle, are catchy ...

Trumpeter John Swana

by Victor L. Schermer
October 20, 2004

In addition to being one of the finest contemporary jazz trumpet players, John Swana is a human being who is spontaneously authentic and refuses to play a false role. Having reached the ripe old age of 38, John has performed side by side with many fabulous musicians, from Benny Golson to Tom Harrell, to Chris Potter, and a myriad of others whose names connote excellence in jazz. A consummate musician whose playing always attracts your attention for its straightforward solidity, ...

John Swana and The Philadelphians: Philly Gumbo

by David A. Orthmann
July 1, 2001

During a decade long association with the Criss Cross imprint, John Swana has produced an impressive aggregate of achievement, 15 discs in all, as a leader or featured sideman. On his own records, Swana usually adheres to the label's practice of utilizing a select pool of New York area musicians, ranging from young firebrands like Eric Alexander and Chris Potter, to respected veterans such as Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller. For his latest release,Philly Gumbo, the trumpeter alters the pattern ...

John Swana and The Philadelphians: Philly Gumbo

by David A. Orthmann
July 1, 2001

During a decade long association with the Criss Cross imprint, John Swana has produced an impressive aggregate of achievement, 15 discs in all, as a leader or featured sideman. On his own records, Swana usually adheres to the label's practice of utilizing a select pool of New York area musicians, ranging from young firebrands like Eric Alexander and Chris Potter, to respected veterans such as Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller. For his latest release,Philly Gumbo, the trumpeter alters the pattern ...

John Swana/Joe Magnarelli: Philly-New York Junction

by C. Andrew Hovan
March 1, 2000

Trumpeters John Swana and Joe Magnarelli are of a new generation of players who aren't as well known as a Roy Hargrove or Nicholas Payton but who nonetheless have much to say in terms of advancing the role of the trumpet in jazz. Swana, hails from Philadelphia and has been a Criss Cross veteran for the past several years (this latest effort is his fifth overall for the label), while New Yorker Magnarelli works the pit bands, teaches, and is ...

John Swana: Tug of War

by C. Andrew Hovan
October 1, 1999

The only reason that thirty-something trumpeter John Swana is not a more recognized jazz artist is due to the fact that he refuses to move to New York and instead keeps his hometown scene of Philadelphia healthy and vibrant. Fortunately for us, Criss Cross Jazz knew a good thing when they heard it and over the course of five previous albums Swana has validated his talents as a one of the jazz world's finest mainstream trumpeters.

In many ways, Tug ...