“Born like a dream

In this dream of a world

How easy in mind I am

I who will fade away

Like the morning dew.”

— IKKYU SOJUN (1394-1481)

This album offers a series of reflections on Ikkyu Sojun’s poem. It includes both original works and interpretations of works of other musicians. The musical world of the impressionists—Debussy in particular—pervades much of this music. 

Ikkyu’s Dream establishes the atmosphere of the album. “Neptune’s Canvas” is a musical rendering of the colors of the ocean I witness in my home town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. “Crystal Silence” has always been a favorite tune and fits this landscape perfectly. “Loss” is just that. “InteriorWinds”, the longest selection, traverses numerous musical worlds. Portions of this work bring to mind the language of Rachmaninov. “The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit” is a poignant, tender, heart-breaking work by Will Ackerman for 12-string guitar—this ismy rendition for piano. “The Other Side” is a set of variations of increasing rhythmic complexity on the simple three-chord progression stated at the opening. “Blue in Green” is one of the all-time great ballads—just a simple 10-bar tune, but what worlds it opens up! “Peace” is another rich ballad, full of developmental possibilities. “My Funny Valentine”, the classic standard, is presented here in a complex polyrhythmic manner—a new take on an old chestnut. “Blue in Green”: “Which take should we use?” is a question I asked Richard Price, my great recording producer. “Use both,” he said. We did. “Into the Mist” returns us to the emptiness from whence we sprang. Enjoy…

— PHILIP SWANSON, October 2009

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Philip Swanson maintains a distinguished career as a trombonist, pianist, organist, composer, conductor and teacher. As a trombonist, he has performed with the Miami Philharmonic, where he served as principal for five years, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Opera Boston, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and numerous other orchestras and ensembles. He is founder of the brass chamber ensemble Morgenmusik, which features trumpet virtuoso and Eastman professor James Thompson, and performs regularly with several jazz groups including Chamber Jazz Trio and Bob Nieske’s Big Wolf Project. Mr. Swanson appears frequently in concert as a solo pianist, performing his own works as well as his improvisations on jazz standards. He also has collaborated with poet J.D. Scrimgeour, forming the group Confluence which combines Scrimgeour’s poetry with his music. Swanson has composed numerous works for instrumental and vocal ensembles, and can be heard on a wide range of recordings, including two solo piano albums of original works, an organ and trombone CD with organist Barbara Bruns, several small group jazz albums, and performances with larger ensembles, including the Boston Pops under John Williams. Currently an Associate Professor of Music at Salem State College, Philip Swanson teaches music theory, composition, piano and trombone. Since 1991, he has been Music Director of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, Massachusetts, where he serves as organist and choir director. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts from New England Conservatory, a Master of Music from the Eastman School, and completed his undergraduate work at Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Miami.

 

Ikkyu’s Dream (Philip Swanson) Neptune’s Canvas (Philip Swanson) I. Sapphire II. Azure III. Glisten Crystal Silence (Chick Corea) Loss (Philip Swanson) Interior Winds (Philip Swanson) The Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit (William Ackerman) The Other Side (Philip Swanson) Blue in Green [Take 1] (Miles Davis) Peace (Horace Silver) My Funny Valentine (Rodgers & Hammerstein) Blue in Green [Take 2] (Miles Davis) Into the Mist (Philip Swanson)