Steve Swallow

Steve Swallow (b. October 4, 1940) is a jazz bass guitarist and composer.

Related Topics:
October 4 - 1940 - Jazz - Bass guitar - Composer

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As a child, Swallow studied piano and trumpet before turning to the double bass at age 14. While attending a prep school, he began trying his hand in jazz improvisation. In 1960 he left Yale, where he was studying composition, and settled in New York City, playing at the time with Paul Bley and Jimmy Giuffre trio. Since joining Art Farmer's quartet in 1964, Swallow began to write. It is in the 1960s that his long-term association with Gary Burton's various bands began.

Related Topics:
Double bass - Improvisation - 1960 - Composition - New York City - Paul Bley - Jimmy Giuffre - Art Farmer - 1960s - Gary Burton

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In the early 1970s, Swallow switched exclusively to bass guitar, of which he prefers the 5-string variety. Along with Bob Cranshaw, Swallow was among the first jazz bassists to switch exclusively to electric bass guitar (with much encouragement from Roy Haynes, Swallow's favorite drummer). Swallow plays with a pick, and his style involves intricate solos in the upper register; he was one of the early adopters of the high C string on a bass guitar.

Related Topics:
1970s - Bass guitar - Bob Cranshaw - Roy Haynes - Drummer - Pick

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In 1974-76 Swallow taught at the Berklee College of Music. It is often speculated that he had an influence on the contents of The Real Book, which includes a fair number of his early compositions. He later recorded an album of the same name, with the picture of a well-worn, coffee-stained Real Book on the cover.

Related Topics:
1974 - Berklee College of Music - The Real Book

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In 1978 Swallow became an essential and constant member of Carla Bley's band. He toured extensively with John Scofield in the early 1980s, and had returned to this collaboration several times over the years.

Related Topics:
Carla Bley - John Scofield - 1980s

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Swallow had consistently won the electric bass category in Down Beat yearly polls, both Critics' and Readers', since the mid-80s. His compositions have been covered by, among others, Jim Hall (who recorded his very first tune, "Eiderdown"), Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Stan Getz and Gary Burton.

Related Topics:
Down Beat - Jim Hall - Bill Evans - Chick Corea - Stan Getz - Gary Burton

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