Brian Swartz
☮️ ❤️ 🎺
Trumpeter with Oingo Boingo Former Members,
John Beasley's Monk'estra &
The Azar Lawrence Experience
Brian Swartz is a versatile and accomplished trumpeter whose musical journey encompasses a captivating blend of jazz, pop, and film. His extensive career is marked by collaborations with a diverse range of iconic artists and a rich discography that showcases his exceptional talent and stylistic adaptability.
Hailing from a world of diverse influences, Swartz has established himself as a sought-after musician in the music industry. His exceptional abilities have led him to grace countless recordings, including multiple Grammy® & Oscar® winning and nominated projects. Notably, he contributed his trumpet and arranging artistry to The Dixie Chicks' Double Platinum album, "Taking the Long Way," which achieved a historic sweep at the Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year in 2007. Additionally, Swartz's collaborations with John Beasley's Monk'estra, an ensemble renowned for its innovative interpretations of Thelonious Monk's compositions, have resulted in six Grammy nominations and a coveted Grammy win for Beasley's arrangement of "Donna Lee."
Beyond these high-profile projects, Swartz's musical journey encompasses a vast array of genres and styles. He has shared the stage and studio with an impressive roster of artists, including pop sensations like The Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend, as well as legendary vocalists such as Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole, and Dianne Reeves. His collaborations extend to the realms of jazz with luminaries like Brad Mehldau, Dave Douglas, and Chucho Valdés, and to the vibrant world of rhythm and blues with iconic groups like The O'Jays, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.
Swartz's versatility is further evidenced by his contributions to film and television. His trumpet can be heard in the Academy Award-winning animated feature "Rango," Jennifer Aniston's romantic comedy "The Break-Up," and the critically acclaimed drama "Let Them All Talk" starring Meryl Streep. Moreover, his musical talents graced the Amazon Prime series "Bosch," where he performed as a member of
John Beasley's Quintet.
As a leader, Swartz has released five acclaimed jazz albums that showcase his compositional and improvisational prowess. His discography includes "There's Only Me," "Live at the Jazz Bakery," "Three," "Portraiture," and "To Be With You," each offering a unique glimpse into his artistic vision.
Beyond his performing career, Swartz has made significant contributions as an arranger. His arrangements have been performed by prestigious ensembles such as the Luckman Jazz Orchestra and John Beasley's Monk'estra, as well as in the television show "Duets." His creative talents have also been sought after for projects like Ruthie Foster's Grammy-nominated album "Live at the Paramount" and Sussan Deyhim's collaboration with the Pacific Symphony.
Brian Swartz's musical journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and boundless passion for music. His ability to seamlessly traverse diverse musical landscapes has solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and in-demand trumpet players of his generation.
"After playing with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw, I know what the trumpet is supposed to sound like. Brian is a monster." ~ Azar Lawrence
Brian Swartz's
Upcoming Shows
More Upcoming Shows
2024
Nov 2 - Oingo Boingo Former Members - The Canyon, Montclair, CA
Nov 8 - Oingo Boingo Former Members - Porto Alegre, Brazil
Nov 9 - Oingo Boingo Former Members - Florianopolis, Brazil
Dec 19 - The Azar Lawrence Experience - Jazzville, Palm Springs, CA
Dec 28 - Oingo Boingo Former Members - Liquid Joe's, Salt Lake City, UT
SUBSCRIBE to get email updates!
A photographic retrospective of the Brian Swartz Quartet at Perch in Downtown Los Angeles 2013-2020
BRIAN SWARTZ
A Musical Journey
Born on December 16, 1967, Brian Swartz carries a rich musical legacy as the second generation of a trumpet-playing family. His father, CMSgt Lawrence Swartz, dedicated three decades of his life to the trumpet as a member of the United States Air Force. Immersed in this musical environment from a young age, Brian’s passion for the instrument ignited early on. At the tender age of ten, he embarked on his trumpet journey in Bellevue, Nebraska.
The family’s subsequent relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area during Brian’s teenage years provided a new chapter in his musical development. As a student at Armijo High School, he excelled in music, garnering numerous honors and accolades. Upon graduating in 1986, Brian pursued his musical education at Solano Community College. Driven by a desire to refine his craft further, he relocated to Los Angeles in 1988 to attend California State University at Northridge and the
University of Southern California.
Under the tutelage of renowned trumpet virtuoso Bobby Shew for five years, Brian’s artistry flourished. Shew’s influence extended beyond musical instruction, inspiring Brian to share his knowledge with others. Since 1997, he has maintained a thriving teaching practice, guiding aspiring trumpet players in Los Angeles and beyond. Complementing his studies with Shew, Brian also benefited from the expertise of John Coppola, Bill Bing, John Thomas, and the legendary Los Angeles studio musician Uan Rasey. Through unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence, Brian Swartz has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the global jazz scene.
Contact
Want to learn more about Brian Swartz, his music, lessons, tour dates or availability?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Address:
Los Angeles, CA, USA