Chicago-based Guitarist/Composer, Jeff Swanson, continues to focus the energies of his ambitious Case-fitter project on his second recording as a leader, Fathoms. Available on CD and digital album from BACE Records on February 28th, 2020, Swanson's ten original compositions enchant listeners with their unique voice and textural approach.
The first track on Fathoms is a tribute to close friend and collaborator, Juan Pastor. "Gaussian" takes influence from Peruvian Festejo rhythms while maintaining Swanson's compositional storytelling and heavily electric sound. The listener is taken on a journey as the odd phrasing and sway of the beginning melodies transition into an open section where the composer enters into a fiery dialog of back and forth with the rhythm section. As layers build from the ground up on "Färvel," the composition highlights the electronic aspects of the group while featuring a masterful solo from alto saxophonist Greg Ward. The piece's title translates to farewell and serves as a tribute to his Swedish immigrant heritage. Evoking a place both familiar and folkloric, "Färvel" proudly retains and expresses the identity of its influence and tells the story of a journey to exciting, unexplored lands.
The album features Paul Bedal on keyboards, Matt Ulery on electric bass, Greg Artry on Drums and percussion with Dustin Laurenzi on Tenor Saxophone and Greg Ward on Alto Saxophone. Fathoms creates a fresh boundless sound that seamlessly incorporates the worlds of jazz, rock, electronic music and chamber ensembles. A sum of its parts, the band flawlessly breathes life into Swanson's compositions on this dynamic recording date featuring some of Chicago's most unique and engaging musicians.
Credits
Paul Bedal - Keyboards
Matt Ulery - Electric Bass
Greg Artry - Drums and Percussion
Dustin Laurenzi - Tenor Saxophone (tracks 2, 3, 8, 10)
Greg Ward - Alto Saxophone (tracks 2, 3, 8, 10)
Jeff Swanson - Guitars, OP-1
Tracklist
1. Gaussian
2. Roads
3. Replicant
4. Elisha
5. Tre
6. Fyra
7. Round One
8. Färvel
9. The Accutron
10. Let the Children Play
Order/Stream on Bandcamp