Project Created: “The Fisherman”
Quote: “I think the best product comes out of creative situations where you surrender your conditioned inhibitions.” – Max Swan
Bio: Initially being the loud alto player that showed up for the jam session every week, Max slowly took on more opportunities in hip hop production. As both a bandleader and a studio producer, playing with a number of artists and groups during their growth in the Philly music scene; notable names include LP Stiles, Kuf Knotz, Mic Stew, and most recently, Aime. Over time, Max would perform saxophone on tracks which led to supplementing keyboards, and writing string and horn section arrangements, many of which can be heard on Aime’s most recent release, The Book of David, available on iTunes, Spotify, and Pandora. The work that was done with these artists led Max to start laying vocals on his newer music, starting with So Much Chime (now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.). Swan received accolades during his new process with Councilman David Oh’s PHLlive Center Stage Music Conference, Ernest Stuart’s Center City Jazz Festival, all while continuing his rigorous study of saxophone, mainly by way of Lenny Pickett (SNL), in order to truly reach proficiency in the altissimo (higher) registers of the instrument. Swan’s music combines his passions for jazz fusion, 21st century soul, and contemporary hip hop, featuring his vocals, saxophone, and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument).
Project Description: Max Swan’s genre-bending work drew inspiration from artists like James Blake, Sampha, Stevie Wonder and Frank Ocean. Blending saxophone with bass, guitar, drums, and vocals, Swan channeled writers of the last half-century, from Jim Croce to Billy Joel to Prince to compose "The Fisherman", his debut album.
Credits:
Artists
Max Swan – Composer, Lyricist, Saxophone, EWI, Vocalist, Maschine
Jonathan Smith – Bass
Matt Keppler – Bass
Josh Nussbaum – Electric Guitar
Simon Martinez – Electric Guitar
Lenny Mobley – Drums
Nick Perri – Electric Bass
Performance Dates: Max was in residency at the Kimmel Center from November 2016 – May 2017. His student workshop was held on January 25, his public workshop on March 2, his work-in-progress on March 29, and his world premiere was held on May 11, 2017.
Special Thanks: Max would like to thank his family and friends for their contributions to his music over the years, and for their endless encouragement and constructive words. Without them, nothing like this would have ever been possible.