Keith Swan Biography

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and started playing drums when I was eight years old. I developed a true love for playing when I attended junior high and started playing in the orchestra. It has been a nonstop musical exploration for me ever since.

For most of my musical career I've played in and around the Los Angeles area with local bands in various musical situations, ranging from Jazz to Rock to R&B to gospel. These groups include "Alive and Well," "Telisis," "Upward Mobility," "The Dave Patterson Band," "The Louis Taylor Band," "The Opus One Big Band," and presently, of course, "PocketWatch," for which I've been a member for the past 20 years.

I studied music for several years at Los Angeles Community College, and while there I performed in the Jazz Band, the Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Improv groups. I've also studied privately with acclaimed musicians and music educators Clarence Johnston and Billy Moore.

The fact that I've always listened to all styles of music is reflected in my playing. I've been inspired and influenced by many stylistically different but equally great drummers, including Harvey Mason, David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, Clarence Johnston, Billy Higgins, Tony Williams, Jo Jones, Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich, etc. The list goes on . . . and so does my musical exploration.

Webmaster/Design Josie Porter