Frank Swart Interview | Funkwrench Blues – This Is the One! (raison d'être) | Jazz Fusion 2026

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Bay Area bassist, guitarist, arranger, composer, producer, and recording engineer Frank Swart, the creative force behind the acclaimed jazz fusion band Funkwrench Blues.In this episode, Frank joins us to discuss his exciting 2026 album, This Is the One! (raison d'être), a vibrant recording co-produced with Brian Brinkerhoff that blends jazz, funk, blues, rock, and improvisational music into a bold and expressive listening experience. The album showcases the band's adventurous spirit, dynamic musicianship, and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.Frank also reflects on his remarkable musical journey—from forming Funkwrench Blues in Boston to helping shape alternative rock history by recording the first-ever demos for the Pixies. Along the way, he has built a diverse career as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, and engineer while championing music as a force for creativity, inclusion, and cultural connection.During our conversation, we explore the making of This Is the One! (raison d'être), the evolution of jazz fusion, improvisation as a social art form, the current state of music in America, and Frank's vision of creating multicultural, inclusive musical experiences that inspire interaction, reflection, and community.If you're a fan of jazz fusion, funk, blues, progressive jazz, improvisation, instrumental music, independent artists, and behind-the-scenes music stories, this interview is packed with insight and inspiration.Get the album:https://funkwrenchblues.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-the-one-raison-d-tre For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.