Australian drummer Andrew Swift has been a valuable sideman on the NYC scene over the past decade, supporting veterans like pianist George Cables and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and, more recently, newcomer alto burner Sharel Cassity-all of whom appear on this new release, Swift’s debut as a leader. Cassity trades blistering licks with trumpeter Ryan Kisor on her opening postbop salvo, “Kisor the Despiser.” Trombonist-producer Michael Dease is featured on Swift originals like the Horace Silver-flavored “Soldier” and the burning “Baptized With Fire,” which also includes Kisor and Cassity on the frontline and features a brilliant piano solo from Cables. Gordon offers sly, gruff-throated vocals and a potent trombone solo on the humorous ditty “Brandy,” a track underscored by Swift’s briskly swinging brushwork. Swift Kick also includes a samba-flavored arrangement of Duke Pearson’s “Is That So?” and lovely readings of Jimmy Heath’s “The Rio Dawn” and the Bacharach and David classic “Alfie,” both featuring up-and-coming vocalist Vanessa Perea.
Originally PublishedAndrew Swift: Swift Kick
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