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A bassist, Neil Swainson was born in Victoria B.C. and began playing professionally there, backing visiting musicians such as Herb Ellis and Barney Kessell. He has lived and worked in Toronto since 1977. He has been a leading player on the Toronto jazz scene ever since, playing with local and visiting musicians including Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton and Woody Shaw. Neil has worked with Woody Shaw internationally as well, in New York and on several European tours He continues to compose music and freelance extensively in the Toronto area.