Albert Swanson

Every time I play one of Seattle Girls' Choir's recordings, I remember the pleasure of working with Al. He was a perfectionist, and had an incredible sense of hearing and of the depth of the music. He could find things that I could not, so he was not only recording us, but increasing our musical awareness. He did a retake once because he heard some noise coming from my shoulder! It has been an honor knowing and working with Al, and I shall remember him always.

A late but sincere tribute to Al, who I befriended at the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. Over my years there, I enjoyed many backstage conversations with Al, his wit and knowledge and friendliness. It was a great pleasure to be onstage recently with Stephen, Jeanne and Eileen.

Dear Eileen and Family,

I've not seen you since I left Seattle in 1975, but Ingrid has often mentioned you. Wish we hadn't ended up so far apart! This is sad news, and I send all of you my love. I'm glad you were able to spend as much time with Al as you did.

I'll play some music here in Maine in Al's honor.

Dear Swanson Family:

I learned of Al's passing just a moment ago...and am still collecting my thoughts. I am blessed to have known this remarkable man! He did so many excellent recordings of the Seattle Girls' Choir - and I can't remember back to when our collaborations began...it seems as if it was an "aleays" thing. His musical ear was so acute as to be scary...one could always trust it. What a joy it has been to know Al and work with him as well.

Please accept...

I don't remember when I first met Al but it had to be close to 30 years ago. I also don't remember why but it was certainly related to audio since I am an engineer/producer and recording artist.

Back in the early 1980s, recorded music was making the transition from analog to digital and Al was the go to guy in Seattle for digital. Our first project together was likely creating the CD master for the Natural States album, my first collaboration with David Lanz.

He...

We feel so fortunate to have met Al and so pleased that he recorded the TangleTown Trio. We hold you, his family, in our hearts.

Al engineered all the early recordings for the Seattle Men's Chorus and was a very important part of our early history. He was a very sweet man and will be missed.

Dear Eileen, Amy and Stephen,

I am so sorry about Al's death. He gave such gifts to our family--the incredible recordings of our family quintet playing remain treasures to all of us.

I have incredibly fond memories of Al peeking in during my viola lessons, and I admire everyone in your family so much: Eileen, one of the best teachers I ever had; Amy, a fellow wordsmith; and Stephen, who remains the only kindergartner I ever met who knew all the presidents.

I...

Al was my mentor and a true friend in every sense. Too many emotions, too many adjectives pile on themselves. I will miss him more than I can express.

Rich McPhail