As I am looking back in my music career, it is always fun to remember some of the times I was able to perform with world class musicians.

While attending Sunset High school in Beaverton Oregon, my jazz band was invited to perform a concert for the non profit organization called grammy in the schools. We did a concert with 3 grammy award winning artists that included Brenda Russell, George Howard, and Stix Hooper of the Crusaders.
It was an absolute life changing moment to play piano with these amazing artists.

Another memorable encounter was when I was playing a trio gig at the Tigard Oregon jazz festival with some amazing local, or should I say, world class musicians. The musical line-up included bassist Tim Gilson, and Drummer, Charlie Doggett. One of the audience members on the break asked me if her friend could sit in on a tune. I was a bit skeptical when she said that he was the world’s most recorded drummer. It turned out to be Bernard Purdie who sat in a played on the tune Groove Merchant with me.

Whenever I get the chance to train with world champion runners or play the piano with world class musicians, I feel like I am elevated to another level or transported into another dimension.

My track coach, Dr. Ken Forman, once told me “Surround yourself with champions and you have a greater chance of becoming one”.

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I just upgraded to an RD-700. I love the realistic piano sound and action. It hard to find a keyboard that I like after practicing hours on a Yamaha s6 hand crafted piano. I am sure this is a good investment and will be great to have on live gigs.

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This music was recorded and arranged by Jonathan Swanson at Instepmusic. It features the beautiful vocals of Allie Timm.

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It takes a special performer to channel the talent of Bette Midler, and that is exactly what former Oregonian Cassandra Hohn does as she brings her acclaimed performance (a tribute to Bette Midler) to The Headwaters Theatre in Portland Oregon.

Her band features Portland drummer, Ken Paine and Portland pianist, Jonathan Swanson.

This fantasy tribute runs October 13th-16th Called “Bathing in Bette”, the show recreates Bette Midler’s early performances at the Continental Baths in New York in the 1970s. Written by Ms. Hohn, the show was performed to sold-out audiences in Upstate New York, Florida and New York City.

Ms. Hohn, who has performed with Norah Jones and Tony Bennett, has had great success in the New York City Cabaret Scene, where she has been crowned “The Queen of Sass.” “Bathing in Bette” will make its international debut later this year when it travels to Sydney, Australia.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/202045
or get your tickets at the door. ( Based on availability)

$20 per ticket

THURSDAY 10/13/11 7PM
FRIDAY 10/14/11 8PM
SATURDAY 10/15/11 2PM and 8PM
SUNDAY 10/16/11 2PM

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Scott Jackman, of Seattle Washington, has put together a funny and scary musical for kids. So far there has only been positive feedback on the music that was arranged by Jonathan Swanson.You probably won’t believe that most of the instrumental music was created on just one midi-keyboard adding one instrument at a time. You can preview some of the songs from the musical at http://www.myspace.com/seascottrun the music features some amazing talent including Featuring 2009 Grammy Winner Phillip Lawson of the Kings Singers, Leif Norby, Lindsay Michelet, Bobby Jackson, Pere Soto, Jonathan Swanson, and Scott Jackman.

Below are some highlights from a live script reading of the Seattle Rep, Boogyman musical.

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Jonathan Swanson has compiled a variety of songs that he has recorded. He is now offering them as a free download. He will be adding more songs every week. You can make a donation via a pay pal link to support Jonathan’s effort to continue to offer new free music.

Jonathan’s Free Music

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This video features the talented singer Micheal Angela. The music track also features Chris Lay on drums, Sam Howard on bass, and jonathan Swanson on piano. The music was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jonathan Swanson.

England Swings from Dane Wilson on Vimeo.

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All the instruments are midi. This demonstrates some of the arranging services that we offer.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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Instep has now upgraded to IK Multimedia ARC or Advanced room correction software. This will allow for greater accuracy in mixing and mastering.

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Here is a beautiful song and story recorded at instepmusic. The musical slide show can be viewed on you tube. The story was written and narrated by Lynn Darroch. The music soundtrack was composed and recorded by Jonathan Swanson at Instepmusic.

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