PHILIP SWANSON

• Philip Swanson: Soaring

"...this material is consistently melodic and concisely made, it is filled with delicate filigree and sparkling harmonies. The shadows of Chopin and Brahms hover...several pieces have the unmistakable flavor of Vince Guaraldi...As a performer, Swanson displays an easy virtuosity that adds to the beguiling character of this CD...."

Fanfare - November/December 2006

This is a collection of glorious, inspiring piano miniatures by Boston-based musician, Philip Swanson. While Swanson has maintained a wide-ranging and distinguished career as a trombonist, organist, conductor and teacher, his talents at the keyboard as a composer-performer are stunning. The songs grab the listener immediately, taking him on one journey after another. Most of the moods here are brightly optimistic, but there is also a good measure of quiet contemplation.

Swanson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the New England Conservatory, and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. He appears frequently throughout New England with numerous jazz and orchestral groups, and is currently Assistant Professor of Music at Salem State College in Massachusetts.

MOURNING FOR LINOS

"Is the old tale pointless
that tells how music began
in the midst of the mourning
for Linos
piercing
the arid numbness
and, in that stunned
space
where an almost
godlike youth
had suddenly stopped existing
made emptiness vibrate
in ways
that thrill us
comfort us
help us now?"

Rainer Maria Rilke

Roseapple
Soaring
Fairest of the Fair
Spring Child (for Mariah)
Long Ago
Strange Breeze
Back Home
Missing You
Elusive One
Soft Southern
Unspoken Words
Mourning for Linos
Days Gone By
Just a Dream
Lengthening Shadows
Roseapple



MSR Classics