Brian Swartz
☮️ ❤️ 🎺

Trumpeter | Vocalist | Composer | Arranger | Instructor

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Los Angeles-based trumpeter Brian Swartz is a musician of staggering stylistic range, a second-generation artist who has spent over three decades at the intersection of elite jazz, multi-platinum pop, and major motion picture scoring. With a sound described as "powerful and inventive," Swartz has established himself as one of the most prolific and versatile brass players on the West Coast.

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Following in the footsteps of his father, CMSgt Lawrence Swartz (a 30-year USAF trumpeter), Brian has become a fixture of the global music scene. Whether leading his Quartet/Quintet, his acclaimed Gnu Sextet, his Swartzestra big band, or serving as a cornerstone of Oingo Boingo Former Members, Swartz brings a relentless creative energy to every project he touches.

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Discography

As a Leader

• Interdependence (2022) – Modern quintet masterclass featuring expansive original compositions.

"A powerful showcase of modern jazz architecture, highlighting Swartz’s growth as a composer and his command over complex, fluid ensemble dynamics."

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• To Be With You (2020) – Brian’s landmark debut as a vocalist, featuring an all-star quartet.

"Swartz reveals a smooth, intimate vocal style that perfectly complements his lyrical trumpet playing... showcasing a remarkable versatility as he steps into the spotlight as a storyteller and crooner." — Jazz Scene

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• Portraiture (2014) – Featuring the Gnu Sextet; includes "Down with Downs," John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize winner.

"A moving recording that takes the listener on a beautiful, visceral journey... featuring a unique sound and great musical interplay." — Jazz Review

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• Three (2006) – Chet Baker-inspired trio exploration with Larry Koonse and Darek Oles.

"Swartz is a musician of significant talent, and here he creates a fitting tribute to the minimalist spirit of Chet Baker... the trio manages to explore fresh, fluid ideas while maintaining a rock-solid foundation. Simply put, they swing." — AllMusic

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• Live at the Jazz Bakery (2005) – Featuring the late Bob Florence.

"The quartet interprets standards with a unique combination of space and intensity... each member of the group brings their improvisational mastery to give each selection its own individual life." — Summit Records

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• There’s Only Me (2000) – High-octane solo debut.

"A bold, high-energy introduction that established Swartz as a formidable new voice on the West Coast jazz scene."

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As a Recording Artist & Arranger

Brian Swartz is a 4 time Member of a Grammy® Nominated Group*

• Hold On – Mark Winkler (2025). Trumpet
  No Wonder - Judy Wexler (2025). Arranger 

• The Rules Don't Apply – Mark Winkler (2024). Trumpet

• Late Bloomin' Jazz Man – Mark Winkler (2022). Trumpet

• It's Christmas All Over – Goo Goo Dolls (2020). Trumpet/Horn Arrangements.

• MONK'estra Plays John Beasley – John Beasley (2020). GRAMMY® Nominee* (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album). Featured Trumpet.

• Crime Zone – Connie Han (2018). Featured Trumpet.

• The Rings of Saturn – Joanne Tatham (2018). Trumpet.

• MONK'estra, Vol. 2 – John Beasley (2017). GRAMMY® Nominee* (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album). Brian arranged "I Mean You".

• The Gin Pennies – The Gin Pennies (2017). Trumpet.
  The Company I Keep - Mark Winkler (2017). Trumpet

• The Arrangement – Sylvia Brooks (2017). Trumpet.

• Stories – Christopher Hawley (2017). Trumpet.

• MONK'estra, Vol. 1 – John Beasley (2016). Double GRAMMY® Nominee* (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and Best Arrangement). Featured Trumpet.

• The L.A. Treasures Project – Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (2014). GRAMMY® Nominee* (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album). Trumpet.

• Sister Cristina – Sister Cristina (2014). Trumpet.

• Cat House – Cat Conner (2014). Arranger.

• Chat Chill HighLine – Christina Rusnak (2014). Trumpet.

• Artistry – Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Ensemble (2013). GRAMMY® Nominee (Best Instrumental Arrangement). Trumpet.

• Hudson City Suite – Scott Healy Ensemble (2012). GRAMMY® Nominee (Best Instrumental Composition). Soloist.

• Gerry Gibbs And The Electric Thrasher Orchestra – Play The Music Of Miles Davis 1967-1975 Gerry Gibbs (2010). Trumpet

• Le Premier Clair de l'Aube – Tété (2010). Trumpet/Arranger/Cuivres.

• Pussycat Babylon – Josie Cotton (2010). Trumpet.

• Balm in Gilead – Rickie Lee Jones (2009). Trumpet.

• Sampler, Vol. 1 – Los Angeles Jazz Collective (2008). Trumpet/Composer.

• Other World Music – Bel Air Jazz Ensemble / David Sherr (2008). Trumpet.

• Taking the Long Way – The Chicks (2006). Winner of 5 GRAMMY® Awards (including Album of the Year). Trumpet/Horn Arranger.

• American Myth – Jackie Greene (2006). Trumpet/Arranger.

• The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle – Patti LaBelle (2006). Trumpet/Arranger.

• Before Me – Gladys Knight (2006). Trumpet.

• Lucky To Be Me – Taylor Eigsti (2006). Double GRAMMY® Nominee (Best Jazz Instrumental Solo and Best Instrumental Composition). Trumpet.

• Classic Moments – Patti LaBelle (2005). Trumpet/Arranger.

• Painted On – The Fabulous Thunderbirds (2005). Trumpet/Arranger.

• Peace...Back by Popular Demand – Keb' Mo' (2004). Trumpet/Flugelhorn.

• Come Fly With Me – Michael Bublé (2004). Trumpet.

• The Davie Code – Bel Air Jazz Ensemble / House Blend (2004). Trumpet.

• Dig It – Todd Hunter (2003). Trumpet.

• Teddy Thompson – Teddy Thompson (2000). Horn.

• Love Me Like Candy – Rebecca Kyler Downs (2000). Trumpet/Arranger/Composer.

• Look Both Ways – Art Music Ensemble (2000). Trumpet.

• Fuse – Joe Henry (1999). Featured Trumpet.

• Gettin' Around – Red & the Red Hots (1999). Trumpet.

• Ocean of Love and Mercy – Dale Fielder Nonet (1997). Trumpet.

• No Relation – Jane Getz (1996). Trumpet.

 

Live Performance & Touring

Jazz Legends

• Featured Soloist & Collaborator: Shared the stage and performed with icons including Tom Harrell, Brad Mehldau, Chucho Valdés, Dave Douglas, Dianne Reeves, Ivan Lins, Azar Lawrence, Buddy Childers, Jack Sheldon and many others.

 

Pop, Rock & R&B

• Oingo Boingo Former Members – Trumpeter and staff arranger for over two decades.

• Saint Motel – Featured live performer; appeared in the official live video for "My Type".

• Michael Bublé – Select domestic tour dates during the Come Fly With Me era.

• Legends & Icons – Shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Smash Mouth, The O’Jays, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.

 

Film & Television

• Film Scores:
  Jesus' Son (1999) Music by Joe Henry
  The Cooler (2003) Original Song "Candy" by Rebecca Downs & Brian Swartz
  The Break-Up (2006) Featured Trumpet Soloist
  Rango Oscar® Winner (2011) Music by Hans Zimmer - Featured Trumpet Soloist with Los Lobos
  Let Them All Talk. (2020) Music by John Beasley/James Newton Howard​

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• TV Appearances:
  Everybody Loves Raymond (1999) - Appeared with Red & The Red Hots.
  Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2008) Appeared with Lupe Fiasco.
  Duets ABC (2012) Appeared with Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles & Robin Thicke.
  Amazon Prime’s Bosch - Season 7, Ep 1 (2021) Appeared with John Beasley.​

 

Video Link: Brian Swartz & The Swartzestra
Live at TR!P Santa Monica

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"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