Brian Swartz is a 2nd-generation trumpeter. His father, CMSgt Lawrence Swartz, was a USF 30 year trumpeter. Brian was influenced by music from an early age and began playing trumpet when he was 10. Armijo H.S. was where he graduated. He graduated from Armijo H.S. in 1986, and started his music education at Solano College. He moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue a career as a musician and to attend CSUN/USC. Brian is a sought-after sideman because of his versatility as a jazz soloist or a strong section player, and also his ability to arrange well. He has recorded with The Dixie Chicks and Michael Buble, Patti Labelle and Joe Henry. Brian performed and arranged the Dixie Chicks 2006 album, “Taking the Long Way,” for which he won four Grammys, including “Album Of The Year.” Brian has performed live with Tom Harrell, Michael Buble, Bob Florence’s “Limited Edition,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The Temptations. He also performed with the Buddy Childers, The O’Jays and The Four Tops. Brian has released three jazz CDs as a leader to date: “There’s Only Me” (2000), “Live at the Jazz Bakery”, (2005) and “Three” (2006). Brian’s song “Down with Downs” was chosen as the Grand Prize Winner in Session 1 of John Lennon Songwriting Contest Jazz Category. Brian is also a founder of the Los Angeles Jazz Collective. This organization was founded to promote original jazz music within the Los Angeles region. Bobby Shew, a trumpet master, taught Brian for five years. Bobby taught Brian the importance of passing on the tradition of trumpet playing. Since 1997, Brian has had a busy schedule with private students in the Los Angeles region. Santa Monica College invited Brian to be adjunct faculty in trumpet teaching in 2007. Brian studied with John Coppola, Bill Bing (CSUN), John Thomas and Uan Rasey (L.A. studio legend). Brian’s passion for mastering his craft, and his ability to build upon it has helped him rise to the top of the Los Angeles music scene. from http://www.adamsmusic.com
