Wil Swindler

Space Bugs

OA2 22207

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Under Swindler's interpretive hand as an arranger and a bandleader...tunes transformed into brooding epics, and light melodies gained more weight...
ADAM GOLDSTEIN, WESTWORD

As a composer and saxophonist, Wil Swindler lives for the pristine intervals and warm timbres of orchestral music, while finding creative inspiration in the adventurous freedom of small group jazz. The Elevenet exists as his preferred compositional vehicle so that he can explore and display the beauty found in each. Space Bugs showcases some of the music Swindler has written for his highly creative Denver-based ensemble since his 2011 release, Universe B, which inspired glowing comparisons to Gil Evans, Eric Dolphy and even Billy May.

"...the music remains tonal throughout, the harmonic language is intriguingly complex while remaining utterly accessible."
Cadence


Track Listing:

1. Passage 3:17
2. The Real Me 8:14
3. Space Bugs 10:31
4. Annika 7:56
5. Tantrum in D 6:46
6. Julia/Blackbird 11:12
7. Little Requiem 5:26
8. Pavlov's Daughter 11:28

All music composed Wil Swindler, except:
(6) by John Lennon/Paul McCartney
(8) by Regina Spektor
Arranged by Wil Swindler

Performers:

Wil Swindler - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
Peter Sommer - tenor saxophone
April Johannesen - bass clarinet
Tom Myer - flute, alto flute
Dawn Kramer - trumpet, flugelhorn
Gabriel Mervine - trumpet, flugelhorn
Darren Kramer - trombone
Susan McCullough - horn
Ben Markley - piano
Matt Smiley - bass
Dru Heller - drums

Production Info:

Produced by Wil Swindler
Recorded by Colin Bricker
at Mighty Fine Productions, Denver, CO
May 23-24, 2022
Mixed by Wil Swindler and Colin Bricker
Mastered by Phil Bulla
at Platinum Productions, Monroe, NY
All photography by Chris Tracy
Cover design & layout by John Bishop


Reviews of Space Bugs

Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Playing alto sax, soprano sax and flute, Will Swindler leads a swinging team of Peter Sommer/ts, April Johannesen/bck. Tom Myer/fl, Dawn Kramer-Bagriel Mervine/tp-fh, Darren Kramer/tb, Susan McCullough/hrn, Ben Markley/p, Matt Smiley/b and Dru Heller through a romping "live" in studio album of originals and a cover or two. His soprano is sweet o ...

CirdecSongs (Cedric Hendrix)
A study in classy large-ensemble jazz performance. Wil Swindler and his alto saxophone have been guiding the vision of this band for a decade, and the two live sets that make up this album show in the ease and chemistry displayed by the band. Regardless of who is handling the solo at the time, the band feels more like an orchestra providing the per ...

DownBeat (Brian Morton)
4-STARS Saxophonist and composer Wil Swindler has been an important part of the Colorado jazz scene, where he leads several groups, freelances and teaches at Colorado State University. Back in 2010, he recorded Universe B with his Elevenet. Now, 12 years later, his 11-piece group is still active and includes six of its original members. The emp ...

All About Jazz (Jack Bowers)
Space Bugs is essentially multi-layered yet readily accessible chamber jazz admirably performed by saxophonist/composer Wil Swindler's Colorado-based Eleventet—a finely woven banquet for the ears that was handsomely recorded in May 2022 before an appreciative audience at Denver's Mighty Fine Productions. Gil Evans springs to mind when listening, ...

Take Effect (Tom Haugen)
The composer and saxophonist Wil Swindler aligns himself with the Denver based outfit Elevenet for these 8 distinct jazz tunes that are full of unique, harmonic language. "Space Bug" starts the listen with Dru Heller's frisky drums and the textured brass that makes for a lively and meticulous climate, and "The Real Me" follows with graceful musi ...

Papatamus - Cadence Magazine (Robert Rusch)
WIL SWINDLER comes out of North Texas State and presents a very heady execution on the eight originals featured on SPACE BUGS: LIVE IN DENVER (OA2 Records 22207). There are touches of the sound of Gil Evans and Shorty Rogers. Although the Swindler's writing and arranging outweigh the soloing on this set, it is still very impressive and enjoyable. ...









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