Since the early 1990s, Seattle jazz lovers have had (and continue to have) the highly rewarding opportunity to see and hear the development of a great talent — pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. When she recorded with her first band, Room To Move, her lyrical improvisatory and composition skills were already on display.
As time has gone by, we’ve been able to watch her grow in a number of different musical configurations — from trios to sextets to big bands. Along the way she’s been recognized with an Artist Trust Fellowship from the Washington State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
In 2015, Nelda also won the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra’s international Jazz Composition Contest for Women Composers. In this KPLU studio session (accompanied by bassist Chris Symer and drummer Max Wood) you’ll hear Nelda talk about and perform three of her compositions. After hearing them, we’re sure you’ll gladly join in following the musical evolution of a unique talent.
