Jazz Articles about John Swana

About John Swana

Album Review

Rich Willey Boptism Funk Band: Conspiracy

Read "Conspiracy" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
November 7, 2019

Both before and after his first terrific recording as leader--Gone with the Piggies (Consolidated Artists Productions, 1988)--Asheville, North Carolina-based Rich Willey has been a very busy jazzman. During that period, Willey spent dues-playing time with Philly Phenoms, New York Bopsters, did a stint with the great Maynard Ferguson, authored dozens of well-acclaimed trumpet and jazz improv books, wrote scores of original tunes, taught and, in his spare time, performed locally. However, within the last year he has released two outstanding ...

Album Review

John Swana / Tim Motzer / Doug Hirlinger: Channels

Read "Channels" reviewed by Geno Thackara

by Geno Thackara
March 6, 2019

It's a jungle in here. The atmosphere is thick and close, even when things are still. Strange creatures keep flitting through the trees and rustling the bushes. The air never stays quiet for very long amidst the eerie calls of strange birds. The here in this case is a landscape that is imaginary, but that makes it no less vivid, exotic and just occasionally hair-raising. The opening “Lost" makes being lost seem as fascinating as it is unnerving; ...

Album Review

Vince Tampio: The Nook

Read "The Nook" reviewed by Geno Thackara

by Geno Thackara
September 22, 2018

There's always something reassuring about the pleasingly familiar, whether it's a favorite shirt, a nice helping of comfort food or the coziness of a frequent neighborhood hangout. Philadelphia's Tattooed Mom Bar fits the bill for Vince Tampio and a few good friends. Besides evoking that welcoming atmosphere with its title and cover, The Nook's classic-sounding bop and swing should make Blue Note or Prestige Records aficionados feel right at home from the first downbeat. For a trumpeter who ...

Album Review

John Swana: Bright Moments

Read "Bright Moments" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
April 19, 2017

Simply put, this album is so listenable and stood out so noticeably among the many CDs I've been spinning for myself recently, that I thought All About Jazz readers ought to know about it. I first heard then trumpeter John Swana a decade or more ago when he jammed at pianist Tom Lawton's memorable long-term gig with the late great bassist Al Stauffer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. I was awestruck by Swana's clarity, sustained non-vibrato tone, and ...

Live Review

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

244

Album Review

John Swana & The Philadelphians: Philly Gumbo Vol. 2

Read "Philly Gumbo Vol. 2" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

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 ...

1,259

Interview

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, ...