Neil Swainson

Neil James Sinclair Swainson (born November 15, 1955) is a Canadian musician and bassist. Swainson started his career in Victoria, British Columbia backing for professional musicians visiting which include Herb Ellis, Sonny Stiltt, and Barney Kessell. in 1976 he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia after playing with Paul Horn Quintet and leading his own band for two years. He then relocated to Toronto where he has worked since 1977.

Swainson has become a leading Canadian jazz player since the 1980s when he started playing with famous local and visiting acts which include, Tommy Flanagan, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Slide Hampton, James Moody, Jay McShann, Moe Koffman, Lee Konitz, Joe Farrell, George Coleman, and Woody Shaw. He went on to collaborate with Woody Shaw appearing on two of Woody Shaw's recordings: In My Own Sweet Way (In & Out 7003) and Solid (Muse 5329). He also toured with Shaw often in New York and on many European tours.

A collaboration between Swainson and pianist; George Shearing would form in 1986, after Swainson replaced Don Thompson in 1988. This relationship continued until Shearing's passing in 2011. They have travelled playing all across North America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan. They played with musicians including Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Diana Krall, Robert Farnon and Mel Tormé. Together the two made numerous recordings which include: A Perfect Match (with Ernestine Anderson, (Concord Jazz 4357), Dexterity (Concord Jazz 4346), Mel & George "do" World War II (Concord Jazz 4471), I Hear a Rhapsody (Telarc 83310), How Beautiful is Night (with Robert Farnon, Telarc 83325), Walkin' (Telarc 83333), That Shearing Sound (Telarc 83347), Joe Williams: A Song Is Born and Paper Moon (Telarc 83375)

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