Here's the abridged version:
I'm Australian, I love Jesus, I play jazz, and I live in New York.
Here's the not so abridged version:Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, Andrew Swift developed a love for music at an early age. After breaking several pairs of chopsticks as a young child while attempting to play the pots and pans, Andrew enrolled himself in drum lessons during school one day at age 9. He excitedly went home and announced to his parents that he was “playing the drums†and the rest, as they say, is history.
During high school Andrew participated in almost every musical activity possible including school and community bands, musicals, and jam sessions with friends. His love for music led him on a career path which began as a student at the Canberra School of Music’s Jazz department. While studying at the CSM, Andrew had the opportunity to play drums with many Australian and International jazz artists including saxophonist Dale Barlow, vocalist Mike Murphy, and bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. He was also a finalist in the national James Morrison Generations in Jazz Competition, and toured California with the Canberra School of Music Big Band.
During high school Andrew participated in almost every musical activity possible including school and community bands, musicals, and jam sessions with friends. His love for music led him on a career path which began as a student at the Canberra School of Music’s Jazz department. While studying drums with Colin Hoorweg at the CSM, Andrew had the opportunity to play with many Australian and International jazz artists including saxophonists Lee Konitz and Dale Barlow, vocalist Mike Murphy, and bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. He was also a finalist in the national James Morrison Generations in Jazz Competition, and performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival as a member of the award winning Canberra School of Music Big Band.
After garnering a reputation as an up-and-coming drummer to watch on the Australian jazz scene, Andrew moved to New York in 1998 where he has performed with jazz tuba player Bob Stewart (Gil Evans, Lester Bowie, Charles Mingus), trumpeter Mike Rodriguez (Charlie Haden/Carla Bley), saxophonist Baron Raymonde (Rod Stewart), guitarist Bruce Edwards (Sun Ra Arkestra), French avante-garde pianist Frederic Lallet, as well as celebrities Kathie Lee Gifford, and Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund. Always a consummate student, Andrew has also effectively reinvented himself as a guitarist, performing with gospel music legends Edwin Hawkins, Twinkie Clarke, LaShun Pace, and Rev. Timothy Wright.
A tasteful musician with a sharp sense of swing, Andrew’s drumming exudes creativity and verve. As a composer, his works feature traditional and contemporary elements, blending strong melodic ideas with interesting harmonies. In the midst of a busy performing and teaching career, Andrew is currently finalizing production on his debut CD as a leader; a jazz piano trio date of original compositions and arrangements which will be forthcoming in 2010. Looking back over his musical journey thus far, one may wonder how interesting it is to see what can begin with broken chopsticks. It is even more interesting to see where else those broken chopsticks will lead.
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