Andrew Swann’s association with Queen began in 2003 when he was hand-picked by Roger Taylor and Brian May to play drums for the original production of We Will Rock You in Australia and Japan where he went on to perform in over 1000 shows.
Swann’s music career began as a session freelance drummer working in Australia and internationally with many well-known artists, culminating in 2005 with the release of his first solo album “The Braves”, an all-original country/jazz brew, Swann wrote, produced, engineered and laid down vocals, drums, guitars, piano and harps in his home studio.
“The Braves” was nominated for 2006 Album of the year in the USA Independent Music Awards with reviewers stating, “Sitting between Tony Joe White, Tom Waits or perhaps Steve Earl, Randy Newman, Dr John. Swann’s music contains an authenticity only a true believer can deliver” Drum Media and “**** A startling talent”, Melbourne Herald Sun. Brian May chipped in with a personal note, “Swanny you rock, Dig The Braves”.
Swann has performed and toured with such artists as Norah Jones with other collaborations including Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, Roy Hargrove, Peter Bernstein, Grammy winner Jesse Harris, USA 2005 jazz pianist winner Bennito Gonzales, Carey Bell, Big Jay McNeely, Henry Butler, Leroy Jones, Betty Harris, Thelma Houston, Coco Robexeau, The Shanghai Philharmonic as well as Australian artists such as Renee Geyer, James Morrison, Ross Wilson, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham etc
Currently in his capacity as performer, host, sound engineer and DJ at New York’s world famous jazz club “Sweet Rhythm” (formerly Sweet Basil), Swann has collaborated with Randy Brecker, Sonny Fortune, Roy Haynes, Bernard Purdie, Vincent Herring, Wallace Rooney, Louis Hayes, James Spalding, Jackie Williams, Junior Mance, Ben Riley, Jeff Tain Watts, Bobby Sanabria, Rufus Reid etc
Over the past 20 years Swann has performed his eclectic mix of blues and jazz in the USA, Australia, Japan, China, UK and at many of Europe’s music festivals including Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
Swann lives in NYC and is touring his latest release “11th street shakedown” in the US and Europe this summer.