Jeff Swanson is a dynamic guitarist and composer based in Chicago, known for his versatile musicianship and inventive compositions. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff has made a significant impact on the jazz scene, performing with prominent artists and leading his original projects. His performances have taken him to international stages like Jazz Zone in Lima, Peru, as well as major festivals including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Chicago Gospel Festival.

As a bandleader, Jeff fronts the trio Embrace The Rain, featuring bassist Matt Ulery, drummer Jon Deitemyer, and percussionist Juan Pastor. His high-energy, electric jazz project Case-fitter has released two albums on BACE Records, the label he co-founded and co-curates with pianist Paul Bedal.

Jeff’s adaptability is evident in his extensive collaborations, having worked with artists such as Dustin Laurenzi’s Natural Language, Quentin Coaxum Quintet, SamThousand & The Soul Vortex/Acoustic Audile, Wills McKenna Quintet, Greg Artry Jr., Artie Black (Living Bridge), Caroline Davis & Charles Rumback (Whirlpool), Juan Pastor’s Chinchano, Erthe St. James, Jesse Palter, Connor Bernhard, and Christopher McBride.

Recently, Jeff has performed with groups such as Sarah Clausen's Solar Arc and Quentin Coaxum Satellite and a special collaboration with Gina Laurenzi’s Milwaukee Dance Company. He has also been a featured clinician at universities and schools across the U.S., including Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Colorado Boulder, Northern Illinois University, and Denver Schools of the Arts.

Jeff Swanson’s contributions to the music community continue to evolve through his performances, recordings, and collaborations, making him a key figure in Chicago’s jazz scene and beyond.