Halifax Jazz Festival & Thom Swift
The TD Halifax
Jazz Festival kicks off tomorrow night. More than 90 local, Atlantic Canadian,
national and international acts will perform, from the iconic Jerry Granelli
and the young drummer-phenom, JR Smith, to New Orleans’ musical ambassador, Dr.
John, and “the most iconic reggae band of all
time”, The Wailers. Arts East will be filling
you in on the pulse and soul of the entire festival (July 5- 13) with daily performer
interviews and live coverage, via social media, of jazz, funk, R&B and
world music concerts taking place around metro.
Legendary roots-blues
singer-songwriter Thom Swift will be playing the Halifax Jazz Fest with his
band The El Caminos on Monday, July 8th. Before hitting the late
night jazz stage, he’ll be performing as a special guest to Rosanne Cash for
the next three nights (July 4, 5 and 6) in Halifax, Moncton and Fredericton. Since
March, the multi-award winning musician has been touring his most recent solo
album, The Fortunate Few, around the Maritimes and beyond. Arts East caught
up with Swift to discuss the latest recording and his successful career.
What
inspired you to start playing music?
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| Thom Swift Photo Credit: Scott Blackburn |
TS: I grew up in a very musical
family. My mother played piano, my father was a trained opera singer and my
brothers and sister all sang and played various instruments.
Are they
the same reasons you do it today?
TS: I started playing guitar when I
was three. The reason I still play today is the ongoing love affair I have with
music. It is at the core of who I am as a person. I don't really have a choice
in the matter.
What are
the challenges of the gig?
TS: Challenges vary in regards to
playing shows. How far you have to drive/fly to get there, what the weather is
like…being stuck in an airport or on the highway can be frustrating when trying
to get to a gig. How many people will show, how much overhead there is
regarding venues, paying band members…I could go on but that’s enough :-) This
business is not for the faint of heart!
What are
the rewards?
TS: Connecting with people through
the live music experience and earning a living doing what I love!
What have
been some career highlights?
TS: Playing with fantastic
musicians; touring the world; opening for John Mayall, John Hiatt, Dolly
Parton, Bill Frisell, and more; constantly meeting amazing artists, playing
world class festivals; making a living playing music that I have created!
What went
into the recording of The Fortunate Few?
TS: This is a very general question
that could be answered many different ways. I guess I’ll answer it this way:
- Two solid months of writing 9 to 10 hours a day
- Two solid months of living in the studio recording the songs
- Organizing and hiring six top musicians to play on the recording (musicians
who are also my friends)
- Working with an amazing engineer, Ed Renzi
- Working with photographers and graphic artists
- Collaborating on one of the songs with Dave Gunning
- I COULD GO ON…
What are
some of the themes of the recording?
TS: The whole album is based on the
theory of being appreciative for family, friends and all the world has to offer
because we do not live forever. Life is fleeting and we must live life to the
fullest. The album serves as a reminder to people that we are not here long, so
make the most of the life you have.
How does
it differ from previous recordings?
TS: I think this album differs from
other projects because it is more cohesive and the songs are stronger. The
playing is stronger as well. Everything on The Fortunate Few has been
taken up a few notches and I feel I have accomplished what I set out to do.
Whats next on your musical
agenda?
TS: Whats next? I am continuing to
tour this album and constantly writing new material…and working diligently to
be better at my craft.
Thom Swift’s Upcoming Performances
July 4: Halifax (The Rebecca Cohn) with Roseanne Cash
July 5: Moncton (The Capitol Theatre) with Roseanne Cash
July 6: Fredericton (The Playhouse) with Roseanne Cash
July 8: Halifax Jazz Festival (The Company House) with The El Caminos
July 11: Rothesay (Rothesay Commons)
For
more information on the Halifax Jazz Festival, visit: http://halifaxjazzfestival.ca
