Philip Swanson has been performing concerts of his original piano music since the early 1990s. His works combine elements of both composition and improvisation, and draw from his wide experience in the genres of classical, jazz, and popular music. In a review of his solo piano release, Lengthening Shadows, music critic Peter Burwasser wrote, “…this material is consistently melodic and concisely made….it is filled with delicate filigree and sparkling harmonies. As a performer, Swanson displays an easy virtuosity that adds to the beguiling character of this CD.” (Fanfare Magazine, Nov/Dec 2006, Vol. 30, No.2). In November of 2009, Ikkyu’s Dream, a collection of original compositions and improvisations on Jazz classics such as Blue in Green and Crystal Silence, was released by MSR Classics. Please visit MSR Classics for more information on these releases.
Confluence is an interdisciplinary group that blends poetry and music. Poet J.D. Scrimgeour and composer Phil Swanson merge their two art forms to produce work that is immediate and accessible, yet also resonant and profound. Their work features poems by Scrimgeour and others, including Yusef Komunyakaa, Alan Feldman, Rainer Maria Rilke, read to accompanying music performed by Swanson on piano or trombone. Confluence has garnered rave reviews at notable literary venues, including the Frost Place and the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. The group’s first CD, titled Confluence, was produced by grammy-award winner Richard Price and was released by MSR Classics in January 2010. Learn more.