Steve Swallow

[matthewbrown]

A few words on behalf of Steve Swallow:
First, he used to be at the top of the Playboy jazz poll for years, but mainly, I think, because he was the only electric player any of the voters knew about. So he is a jazz musician.
Second, Swallow makes electric bass work in a jazz group without making it any less electric, and without swinging any less for it. Also uses a pick!
A few of my favorite recordings featuring Swallow:
With John Scofield -- Bar Talk and En Route
with Rabih al Khalid - The Sultan's Picnic
Finally, and this may be the most important -- he never overplays on his solos, doesn't tap, slap or use any of the techniques that get overused so much (Hello Stu Hamm!) and completely holds the rhythm section together even when the music is getting so adventurous you have to wonder for a moment just what's going on.

[joe vegas]

amen.
saw him a lot in nyc- starting in 77 with carla's big band and many of her smaller combos, also saw him with numerous other leaders around town, and on recordings.
one of the greats, acknowledged as such, also a very good composer. steve's the real deal. after establishing a rep on upright, he plunged into EB when it was considered totally a taboo mistake by the jazz community, and carved out a niche with his unique tone, post-bop arpeggiated soloing, and unique pick work.
good to see him get props here.

[dhsierra1]

he also did some cool dual bass work w/Eberhard Weber on EUB back in the 70s. Terrific player

[steverosati]

did you get his new disc? " the impossible gentleman"

[matthewbrown]

Originally Posted by steverosati

did you get his new disc? " the impossible gentleman"

No. What's your opinion of it?

[steverosati]

love it!!!

[251]

Originally Posted by matthewbrown

A few words on behalf of Steve Swallow:
First, he used to be at the top of the Playboy jazz poll for years, but mainly, I think, because he was the only electric player any of the voters knew about. So he is a jazz musician.
Second, Swallow makes electric bass work in a jazz group without making it any less electric, and without swinging any less for it. Also uses a pick!

A copper pick, no less!

A few of my favorite recordings featuring Swallow:
With John Scofield -- Bar Talk and En Route
with Rabih al Khalid - The Sultan's Picnic
Finally, and this may be the most important -- he never overplays on his solos, doesn't tap, slap or use any of the techniques that get overused so much (Hello Stu Hamm!) and completely holds the rhythm section together even when the music is getting so adventurous you have to wonder for a moment just what's going on.

Add to the list;
Three Guys with Lee Konitz & Paul Motian
Quartet Live with Gary Burton, Pat Metheny & Antonio Sanchez

[Hifiguy]

Swallow is a brilliant, inspiring player. So fluidly melodic and inventive.

Check out Carla Bley's Nite-Glo album, where he is the featured soloist. It's a master class in melodic and tasteful playing of the highest order.