Biography
Swallows (Minneapolis, Minn.) formed in the summer of 2007 and began playing live shows in the Twin Cities and around the Midwest in early 2008.
The band's eclectic and thematic sound features the collaboration of songwriters/composers Jeff Crandall (Thinland, Mellow Drunk), Aaron Kerr (Thinland, Mellow Drunk), Tyson Allison (The Sleeper Pins, Gliss) and Frank Spencer.
In July of 2008, Swallows released their debut CD, "Songs for Strippers (and other professions)."
In December 2008, "Songs for Strippers (and other professions)" was ranked at #57 on Consequence of Sound's Top 100 Albums of 2008 list.
"Swallows has invoked what people are calling 'rock and roll, ugly and beautiful, profane and spiritual...' This [Minnesota] quartet brings a blend of classic blues, a barrage of eclectic instruments, and warm yet gritty Nick Cave vocals." - David Buchanan, Consequence of Sound
"Brilliant.... The overall effect is a dramatic, nearly operatic build." - Bob Milton, The Milton Files
"Eleven tracks of vintage rock and roll that will tear you up." - John Siwicki, The Comfort Comes
"It is seldom that one gets to enthusiastically introduce new bands with raw talent, but this is one of those moments." - David Buchanan, Consequence of Sound
Swallows' live set builds upon the foundation laid with the recording of "Songs for Strippers..." and is building towards the band's forthcoming second release, "Covert Transmissions to the Elementals," which will find Swallows journeying further into the landscapes of traditional American musical forms and expressions.
Winter 2009 also marks the release of "Dissonant Creatures," a 10 song collection of minimalist instrumental sketches composed by Swallows' cellist Aaron Kerr and arranged and produced by Swallows' Tyson Allison and Jeff Crandall.
Instrumentation
Aaron Kerr - cello, electric cello, piano
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Aaron is an avant-garde composer and cellist who has worked with countless Minnesota musicians, bands, dance troupes and theater companies. In 2006, Aaron won the McKnight Foundation Fellowship for his work on "Arco 71," his first solo cello CD. Aaron was also a founding member of the Minnesota indie pop band Thinland. In addition to his work with Swallows, Aaron also currently performs and records with The Sleeper Pins.
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Jeff Crandall - acoustic guitars, vocals, piano, keys
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Jeff is a singer/songwriter, visual artist and producer. Jeff was a founding member of the indie-pop band Thinland and has recorded and performed with several indie bands, including San Francisco's Mellow Drunk and Leigh Gregory & Memory's Mystics. Jeff has also composed music for indie theater and developed environmental soundscapes for avant garde classical performances.
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Tyson Allison - percussion, keys, piano, vocals, acoustic guitar
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Tyson is a singer/songwriter who fronts the indie pop band The Sleeper Pins. Tyson joined Swallows as a percussionist, but almost immediately began contributing his arrangement and songwriting skills to the group. Tyson is also a former member of the Minnesota alternative rock band Gliss.
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Frank Spencer - electric guitar, National reso-phonic, banjo, dulcimer
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Frank is a multi-instrumentalist who has been honing his craft in back rooms and basement hootenannys for years. Frank brings a true Americana spirit and a classic telecaster sound to Swallows.
Discography
"Songs for Strippers (and other professions)" - full-length CD, 2008, Swallow the Music
"Dissonant Creatures" - a full length ambient CD featuring the compositions of Aaron Kerr, 2009, Emperor Penguin Records
Links
| Swallows' Band Site |
| Swallows' MySpace |
| Swallows (Covert Transmissions) |
| Swallows (Dissonant Creatures) |