Albums Featuring - Steve Swell
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Catalog Number: CIMP LTD 352
Double DiploidSteve Swell (Trombone), David Taylor (Bass Trombone), Warren Smith (Percussion), Chad Taylor (Percussion)Whoa! Two trombones and two percussionists? What can this be? What it is is music of great rhythm, drive, humor, intensity, and downright fun. If you've come across the talents of either or both Messrs. Swell and Taylor, then you know the contrast of their brilliance. Add in Warren Smith (a senior percussion master) and Chad Taylor (no longer just in the underground) and you have a quartet of great capabilities—even of accomplishing the musical Double Diploid, and more the fun for it. Twice the pleasure just for the asking.Catalog Number: CIMP 321
Not Just...David Taylor (Trombone), Steve Swell (Trombone), Billy Bang (Violin), Tomas Ulrich (Cello), Ken Filiano (Bass)Gad. Two trombones and strings! But when the trombones are Dave Taylor and Steve Swell and the strings are Bang, Ulrich, and Filiano, you know this is going to be fun. A five-sided circle that is everything you'd expect from this meeting of fertile musical minds. Over 270 cumulative years in the making, its listening pleasures should last easily that long. Recorded January 5 & 6, 2005.Catalog Number: CIMP Records 315
Desert Songs and Other LandscapesGebhard Ullmann (Tenor Sax/Bass Clarinet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Hilliard Greene (Bass), Barry Altschul (Drums)Gebhard Ullmann, whose formidable European reputation has yet to find its match in North America, joins with Steve Swell - one of the most inventive, active, and touring trombonists on the creative improvised music scene - for a program that reflects the travels (and travails?) of their lives. And with Barry Altschul and Hill Greene handling the rhythm, you know there's no featherbedding on this road trip. Recorded June 22 & 23, 2004.Catalog Number: CIMP 309
RenewalChris Kelsey (Soprano Sax), Steve Swell (Trombone), Franscois Grillot (Bass), Jay Rosen (Drums)Chris Kelsey is back and he's lost none of his passion nor intensity and continues to be one of the strongest and most original soprano sax voices on the scene. Here's a chance for listeners to hear now what critics will still be raving about in 15 years. Tough stuff. Recorded April 7, 2004.
Catalog Number: CIMP 305
The Drum is Honor EnoughPatrick Brennan (Alto Sax), Steve Swell (Trombone), Hill Greene (Bass), Newman Taylor Baker (Drums)Listening to Patrick Brennan's music is a bit like looking at a bowl that has been shattered and reassembled but whose fit isn't quite right?you know what it is when looking at it, but it requires some reassessment to take it all in. Extensive Artist and Producer Notes may take you one listen just to get through, another listen to digest, but by the third listen the joy and genius of this concert should be evident. A valuable addition to this veteran's slight but growing discography. Recorded February 17 & 18, 2004.Catalog Number: CIMP 292
Steve Swell's Suite for Players, Listeners and other DreamersSteve Swell (Trombone), Will Connell (Alto Sax, Flute, Bass Clarinet), Roy Campbell (Trumpet, Flute), Charles Burnham (Violin), Francois Grillot (Bass), Kevin Norton (Percussion)Over the 8 years Steve Swell has been recording for CIMP, he has produced a little less than a dozen projects, all of them distinct and purposeful. This latest effort may be his most ambitious to date, a large scale work that retains the intimacy and personality of a smaller work with the power and impact of the larger concept. A solid statement from a trombonist now considered to be a major talent on the post Bop, creative improvised music scene. Recorded July 16 & 17, 2003.Catalog Number: CIMP 285
Still in MovementSteve Swell (Trombone), Tom Abbs (Bass, Tuba), Geoff Mann (Drums,Cornet,Glockenspiel)Steve Swell calls this his New York BrassWood Trio; we’re not sure why. What the trio offers is a chance for Steve to offer up some of his compositional delights along with the technical and improvising pleasures of this hip little trio. Another distinctive Steve Swell-led recording. Recorded March 10 & 11, 2003.
Catalog Number: CIMP 272
Poets of the NowUrsel Schlicht (Piano), Steve Swell (Trombone), Tom Abbs (Bass), Geoff Mann (Drums)For Schlicht and Swell, this is a follow-up to their very exciting Sound Quest recording on Cadence Jazz Records. Here the group moves more into composed structures with Ms. Schlicht, in particular, showing a softer side. But make no mistakes - this is post-Bop creative improvised music, and yet another fresh look at Steve Swell whose growing reputation is finally catching up to his talents. Form, variety, and passion combine here for meaty listening. Recorded July 18, 2002.Catalog Number: CIMP 268
Recollections of Darby HicksBob Washington (Voice), Steve Swell (Trombone), Dominic Duval (Bass)This date is essentially a "brother's" narrative of growing up in America from the pre- WWII years. It's a story funny, funky, and poignant, and delivered with improvised surroundings which suggest some parallels to the collaboration between Charles Mingus and Jean Shephard on "The Clown." A good tale, well told with outstanding improvisations. Recorded April 23 & 24, 2002.Catalog Number: CIMP 264
Real Time MessengersDaniel Carter (Alto Saxophone), Steve Swell (Trombone), Tom Abbs (Bass), David Brandt (Drums)Eight cuts of coherent and inspired improvisations that will reward close listening with inspiration and renewal of energy. Creative improvised chamber music.Catalog Number: CIMP 261
American ScrapbookDominic Duval (Bass), Jason Hwang (Violin), Tomas Ulrich (Cello), Tom Varner (French Horn), Joe McPhee (Cornet), Steve Swell (Trombone)Dominic Duval's String & Brass Ensemble brings together Joe McPhee Steve Swell, Tom Varner, Tomas Ulrich, and Jason Hwang in a stirring reflection on traditional and improvised music inspired not just by the memories of Dominic's late wife and 9/11, but also by the whole quilt that is the American SpiritCatalog Number: CIMP 256
ObbligatoMary LaRose (Vocals), Jeff Lederer (Reeds), Steve Swell (Trombone), Dominic Duval (Bass)Integrating material from a broad idiomatic range including Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Randy Newman, Jimi Hendrix, Ornette Coleman, Claude Thornhill, Albert Ayler and others, vocalist extraordinaire Mary LaRose leads a strong improvising quartet. Out of the tradition but clearly of today and tomorrow, this is music as challenging as it is sensual.Catalog Number: CIMP 237
Lucille's Gemini DreamAvram Fefer (Clarinet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Wilber Morris (Bass), Igal Foni (Drums)Following up his trio's well received debut recording on Cadence Jazz Records, reedman Avram Fefer brings the dynamic trombone of Steve Swell into the mix and the quartet addresses 7 original compositions, including the title track, a particularly evocative and lyrical ballad. Interplay, composition, depth, and complexity all propel this to a dynamic listen. Recorded Jan. 11 & 12, 2001Catalog Number: CIMP 227
The Joy of BeingLou Grassi (Drums), Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Wilber Morris (Bass), Joseph Jarman (Flute)The PoBand strikes again, this time the guest is Joseph Jarman who shares this journey into the unknown but compelling world of inventive music. Recorded June 12 & 13, 2000.Catalog Number: CIMP 223
DeliriumOri Kaplan (Alto Saxophone), Tom Abbs (Tuba), Steve Swell (Trombone), Geoff Mann (Trumpet)A follow up to the first (CIMP 190) session with Trio Plus, augmented by Steve Swell's trombone. This recording also focuses on both Ori Kaplan's catchy compositions and the energized interplay of the group's outward swing. Recorded May 1 and 2, 2000.Catalog Number: CIMP 207
PoZestMarshall Allen (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums), Paul Smoker (Trumpet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Wilber Morris (Bass)Sun Ra's legendary right hand alto man, Marshall Allen, meets Lou Grassi's PoBand in an extemporaneous musical outing that freely references everything from the late night blues to other galaxies. Recorded May 10 & 11, 1999.Catalog Number: CIMP 203
Flurries Warm and ClearSteve Swell (Trombone), Ned Rothenberg (Clarinet), Tomas Ulrich (Cello)This is the fifth CIMP session that Steve Swell has led, and each has its own distinct ambience. This release features a chamber setting on eleven blended originals. Could this mark the mellowing of a trombone monster?Catalog Number: CIMP 184
AtmospheelsSteve Swell (Trombone), Will Connell (Alto Saxophone), Lou Grassi (Drums)Steve Swell with a nifty little post-bop trio that includes the rarely heard veteran Will Connell. These players have known each other for more than two decades and these eight tracks open up some fine conversant and stimulating exchanges. Recorded August 3 & 4, 1998.Catalog Number: CIMP 156
Mo' PoLou Grassi (Drums), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Herb Robertson (Cornet), Steve Swell (Trombone), Wilber Morris (Bass)One of the best free ensembles working today. The seven tracks range in length from under 3 to over 17 minutes in length. Out of nothing, substantial music is developed, remarkable fresh and free of fat and fill. It's what can happen in the hands of veterans well versed in the discipline of the art. No faking here. Recorded July 16 & 17, 1997.Catalog Number: CIMP 149
Moons of JupiterSteve Swell (Trombone), Mark Whitecage (Alto Saxophone), Dominic Duval (Bass), Jay Rosen (Drums)The power of Steve Swell and the joy of his improvisations are equal to the fertile playing of Mark Whitecage's reeds. Strength against strength, this is powerful Jazz. Recorded May 22 & 23, 1997.Catalog Number: CIMP 116
Out And AboutSteve Swell (Trombone), Roswell Rudd (Trombone), Ken Filiano (Bass), Lou Grassi (Drums)State of the art trombone from two generations of masters. Warm, wonderful, and wild - it confirms why Steve Swell and Roswell Rudd are in a league of their own. Trombonemanship of the highest order and energy. Recorded June 14 & 15, 1996.
Catalog Number: CIMP 108
ObservationsSteve Swell (Trombone), Chris Kelsey (Soprano sax)Remarkably intuitive interplay. Inventive, surprising, and playful freely improvised music. Endless riches for attentive listeners. Recorded Feb. 16 & 17, 1996.
