Fans will find a branching out on Thom Swift's new album, 'Blue Sky Day.' But then the guitarist-singer-songwriter sees it as a natural process.
His mix of musical connections in the region – and the rich variety – can't help but influence his own artistic exploration, says Halifax-based Swift. A number of genres make up 'Blue Sky Day' – blues, folk, rock, country and rag styles.
"Which I think is great because I've got a whole lot of fresh ears listening to me," he said this week in a telephone interview from Ontario, where he's on tour.
Swift's string of album-release concerts will swing into Glasgow Square next Saturday.
The nimble guitar picker and solid baritone singer will be backed by a full band, "the same guys as on the album," including Geoff Arsenault on drums, Brian Bourne, bass, Chris Corrigan, electric guitar, and Bill Stevenson, keyboards. It's a musical cast he fondly refers to as the El Caminos, and in fact a song on the new album is written for them.
"I am humbled when I play with these guys." Swift said. "This is my dream band – these are my best friends."
Northern Nova Scotians will notice a familiar track title: 'Seafoam,' a Gaelic air Swift composed as a guitar instrumental. The connection to the picturesque Pictou County community is one of kinship: Swift's partner in both business and life, publicist Wendy Phillips, is from there and they visit her parents regularly.
"I wanted to write a tune about that area because it's a place we go with the kids and think about family."
'Seafoam' is strong on Celtic-style guitar, darker colours painted in with fiddle by J.P. Cormier. Swift learned last weekend that 'Seafoam' is in the Galaxy music network's rotation.
He's also pleased that (Silent) 'Killer' is charting at number 45 on national radio playlists. Regionally, the driving country rocker has placed number 1 on Jimmy Inch's East Coast Countdown two weeks in a row.
Swift also plans on a video, with song selection yet to be decided. Since this album is his first with national distribution, that will take a team working on what to use and which way to go.
In with the Thom Swift originals is the Carter Family 1930s-era gem, 'No Depression in Heaven.' It's one he performed as part of a stellar lineup at the Tunes for Troubled Times show last year at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. Originally more in a bluegrass vein, he transformed it into a slow gospel number – one for his parents and memories of singing on Sunday morning back home in McAdam, N.B.
Swift is well known as part of the blues-jazz Hot Toddy Trio, which is on hiatus with all three members doing other things. Playing music has taken him to many parts of the world and put him in touch with countless top-notch musicians, but it all leads his focus back to the growing vibrant scene he sees in Halifax.
"There's no spot I've been that I feel is as rich as our music culture on the East Coast."
