So, what is a Swank?
The band’s name has been borrowed from the name of the musical group that my Mom played in at Winthrop College in 1944. The original Swanks had a full orchestra, only on a much smaller scale. My AI band, The Swanks, is a string quartet, with a violin, viola, cello, and piano. But listen closely, because they will be joined from time to time by other instruments, to provide a unique sound on some songs. Most songs are named for nurses on my care team, although some are named for other very special people in my life.
Now you know “what”, next let’s explore “why”.
Discover the unique sound of this mythical band
The Magic begins
At the ripe old age of “Hello World”, our house was filled with the sound of my Mom’s string quartet practicing.
violin, first and foremost
Mom played and taught classical violin. I rocked and listened. Okay, mostly napped.
The heart of The Swanks
The violin is the heart and soul of The Swanks. It is out front in almost every song. But it doesn’t end there.
The Elements of Surprise
A variety of guest musicians playing everything from a harpsichord to a trumpet, provide a unique sound found nowhere else.
Ready to be swept away by the magical music of The Swanks?
The Songs
On the right side of each song’s audio control panel, you will find 3 little dots, aligned vertically. Click that symbol to find a download button (free music, yay!) and a playback speed selector. Careful, go too fast and your face will melt!
01
Erin’s Song
Erin is an ICU nurse who was very helpful to me. Thank you Erin!
05
Shelby is my primary care physician’s nurse who is very helpful to me. Thank you Shelby!
06
Thaddeus is an ICU nurse in Rapid City, SD who was very helpful to me. Thank you Thaddeus!
10
Elaine is a friend that works at JAARS, our favorite charitable organization. Like Sandy and me, Jesus is her boss.
11
Jim is a friend that goes all the way back to my first job out of college, in 1978. We have done a whole lot of life together. Love you my friend!
12
Allison, Jim’s wife, was a friend on the War Eagle Flying Team with me. Thank you for being my friend, Allison!
16
Steve flew with us on the War Eagle Flying Team at Auburn, and worked at our side at Gulfstream. He stood with me as my Best Man when I married Sandy.
23
Bill is my brother, a drummer in his high school band. This song is heavy on the drums, just for you brother.
24
Lynn is my brother’s wife, who loves to sing. This song is a happy song, and sounds much like the songs Lynn likes to sing.
26
J.P. is an old friend from Auburn, and an excellent musician. I hope you will enjoy the intricate layering of instruments, J.P. Follow along on your guitar, if you dare!
For Some Very Special People
Amhrán na ngarpháistí
“Grandchildren’s Song”
With guest musicians: bagpipe, flute, and piccolo.
Ken’s Song
With guest musicians: two trumpets.
