Steve Swell’s contribution to AFA Artist Diaries features his piece “With the Morning, Hope” performed by his band Slammin’ the Infinite with Sabir Mateen, flute; Matthew Heyner, bass; Klaus Kugel, drums; and himself on trombone and composition, recorded in 2005. His paintings and photographs are also featured, with video and sound editing by Miriam Parker.
“This video was made during the height of NYC’s lockdown and before the George Floyd murder. I would be remiss in not mentioning that society altering event. It is tragic in the way Mr. Floyd was murdered and made even more horrifying by the fact that this time there was video evidence where everyone could clearly see how cold and blasé the officer was as he choked the life out of a member of a community he was sworn to protect and serve. With this wakeup call, and the demonstrations all across the globe, I hope this time there will be a bigger step toward actualizing the words, promises and laws by which this society claims to stand by.
I hope that this video will keep you hoping and maybe you will consider donating to the Bail Project, a remarkable group whose mission is strongly needed. Their link is here:
secure.givelively.org/donate/the-bail-project/donate-now
Thanks for listening, watching and reading. Thank you Miriam Parker for such a great editing job and making everything look and sound so good.”
Steve Swell
