James Todd

ABOUT

We play primarily stands and ballads from the so-called Great American Songbook. Also aim to experiment with "jazzify-ing" pop tunes and classical motifs.

The Swing of Things is a musical trio playing live instrumental music across southwestern Ontario. ~ An easy mix of old standards, jazz classics, and familiar songs, we offer up well-crafted melodies wth a gentle touch and deep feeling.

getjamestodd at do com

Screen name:: James Todd
Member since:: Jun 19 2006; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Committed
Years playing music:: 45
Gigs played:: Over 100
Tend to practice:: More than 3 times per week
Available to gig:: 2-3 nights a week
Most available:: Nights

Influences

This Band? mainstream small ensemble jazz, strong bias for Swing and cool styles. Since we are influenced more by coffee than heroine, no bebop,and a preference for tonepoems than blistering solos.

Guitarist influences - strong jazz and blues background, Played in a Chicago tribute band, three big-band swing orchestras, plus one other jazz duo. I listen to most guitar-based music from Django to Satch. Keen about Jim Hall, Kenny Burrell, Lorne Lofsky, Ed Bickert. Follow the likes of Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Pat Metheny, Mike Stern. See myself as the tasty, reliable, multi-voiced sideman rather than the searing, can't-wait-for-my-solo frontman.