Scythe Paths Through the Nettles, by Tom Swafford & Zachary Swanson

Scythe Paths Through the Nettles

by Tom Swafford & Zachary Swanson

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1.	Flint Adze 06:01	buy track
2.	Dogleg Right Where the Green Slopes Away 02:30	buy track
3.	Jasper Burnisher 05:00	buy track
4.	Spokeshave, Rasp and Scraper 03:10	buy track
5.	Shoulder Yoke 05:06	buy track
6.	By the Fork and the Flail 03:54	buy track
7.	Rear Brake Caliper 04:52	buy track
8.	Harrow Down the Clouds 02:06	buy track
9.	This Auger Won't Dig 02:24	buy track
10.	Dark Carlyle 04:49	buy track

about

"A unique perspective on unpremeditated music."
-Daniel Barbiero, Avant Music News

Recorded in a warehouse in Brooklyn, NY, this album is entirely improvised. Free flowing themes unfold to reveal spontaneous compositions that dip in and out of tonality with shifting foreground and backgrounds. Rubato passages give way to tempo, as density and timbre highlight the range and sonic capabilities of the violin and double bass. Their language pulls from a range of influences with tinges of jazz, classical, folk, and rock melding into one voice from two sympathetic improvisers. The pieces were given titles post recording and largely reference tools and scenery you may find in an old barn.
Originally coming together in an old-time string band, Swafford and Swanson quickly enjoyed a musical camaraderie and shared interest in music both old and new. This led to the formation of their duo as an exploratory free improvisation project. They have had the opportunity to tour together regionally on the east coast and continue to perform locally for adventurous listeners in New York City.

credits

released February 5, 2021

Tom Swafford, Violin
Zachary Swanson, Double Bass
Recorded and mixed by Jonah Rosenberg
Cover painting by Grady Swafford
Special thanks to Amanda Bloom

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about

Tom Swafford Providence, Rhode Island

Tom Swafford has been active as a composer and improviser for over 30 years. He has lived and worked in NYC, Seattle, Boston, Berkeley, CA, Amsterdam, and is currently based in Providence, RI. He has worked with Butch Morris, Jason Kao Hwang, Amirtha Kidambi, Aram Bajakian (Kef, Dalava), Wayne Horvitz, Zachary Swanson, Matt Crane (Golden Crackers), and many more. Photo: Peter Gannushkin. ... more

tomswafford.com

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