February 2022
When I’m playing jazz on the bass, I am often hearing Steve Swallow in my head and trying to emulate that in one way or another (especially playing ECM or straight 8th style jazz but not exclusively by any stretch).
To me, Steve embodies everything good that the electric bass can do in a more traditional jazz setting. Steve is endlessly creative and defined his own approach and sound within the paradigm. Steve switched from upright to electric in the 70’s (partially because it was simply easier to gig on an electric in NYC on electric, or so I’ve read) and was one of the first jazz musicians to do so outside of the ‘fusion’ landscape.
He also plays with a (copper) pick, which is a part of that sound that is so unique to Mr. Swallow.
Steve also is the composer of “Falling Grace”, which has long been one of my favorite jazz tunes.
In Short, Steve is my musical (jazz) hero.