We’ve been fans of Richard Swift for a while now and were overjoyed when he announced he’d be joining The Black Keys in their touring line-up. We felt it was high time for a *Richard Swift Appreciation Post*. And since our blog-sister dangermouseisthatdude is an even bigger Swifty fan, we asked her to write a few words…
You’ve seen his beardy face backing up Dan and Pat on the Turn Blue tour, maybe you’ve been enjoying his instagram account as well, but who is that Richard Swift guy?
Only an amazing multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, photographer, visual artist, and weapons-grade music nerd.
He’s playing bass for TBK now, but he played keyboards for The Shins, drums on the Ray LaMontagne record Dan produced, and worked on the Valerie June record too. He’s one of those people who can just pick up whatever instrument he wants and make it work. Such gifts.
AND he’s a stellar producer in his own right. He owns a studio in Oregon called National Freedom where he turns out wonderful records by people like Foxygen,Sharon Van Etten,Guster, and Damien Jurado like it’s nbd.
He does great original songs, covers and compilations; they’re hanging out on his soundcloud page waiting to expand your mind. If you want him to play DJ with his collection of 45s you can help yourself to that too.
And in his *spare time* he takes witty, interesting photos, makes drawings, paintings and shortfilms, just to share with folks.
Generous, adventurous, multi-MULTI-talented, and a mischievous sense of humor besides — that’s the kind of guy Dan and Pat chose to have backing them on tour this year. Lucky, lucky them. :D
I’m very glad that m-g over at TIABATBK and I collaborated on this appreciation of him a few years back, and I have it on good authority that he saw it at the time. Never hesitate to say something kind or appreciative!
