Brian Swartz

Biography

Brian Swartz is a 2nd generation trumpeter. His father, CMSgt Lawrence Swartz was a 30 year trumpeter in the USAF. Brian’s early exposure to music made a profound influence on him and he started playing trumpet at the age of 10.
He graduated from Armijo H.S. in 1986 and began his music education at Solano College. In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles to attend CSUN and USC and embark on a professional career in music.
Brian’s versatility as a jazz soloist, a powerful section player or an adept arranger has made him a much sought after sideman. He has recorded with The Dixie Chicks, Michael Bublé , Patti Labelle, Joe Henry, Keb’ Mo’, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Gladys Knight, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rickie Lee Jones, Jackie Greene, Taylor Eigsti, Buddy Childers, Sandra Booker and numerous other TV and film studio dates. Brian performed and arranged the horns for the Dixie Chicks’ 2006 CD, “Taking the Long Way,” which won 4 Grammys including “Album of the Year.”

Brian has performed live with Michael Bublé , Tom Harrell, Bob Florence’s “Limited Edition,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The O’Jays, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Buddy Childers, Jack Sheldon’s Big Band, Jazzantiqua, Johnny Vatos, The Luckman Jazz Orchestra, Francisco Aguabella, The Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, Buddy Montgomery, Carmen Lundy and Bruce Lofgren among others. To date, Brian Has released three jazz CD’s as a leader: “There’s Only Me” (2000); “Live at the Jazz Bakery” (2005); “Three” (2006). In 2009, Brian’s song, “Down with Downs,” was selected as the Grand Prize Winner in the Jazz Category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Session I. Brian is a founding member of the Los Angeles Jazz Collective, an organization which was started in order to promote original jazz music in the Los Angeles area.
For 5 years, Brian studied with trumpet guru Bobby Shew. Bobby showed him the importance of passing down the tradition of trumpet playing and since 1997 Brian has maintained a busy schedule of private students in the Los Angeles area. In 2007, Brian was invited to teach trumpet as adjunct faculty at Santa Monica College. Brian has also studied with John Coppola (SFO), Bill Bing (CSUN), John Thomas (USC), and L.A. studio legend Uan Rasey. Brian’s dedication to mastering his craft and continually building upon his knowledge has brought him to prominence in the Los Angeles music scene.