There s a lot to get excited about on Swimming as Varner excels as a multifaceted composer who injects a good deal of emotion and color into his work which is enhanced by a supremely motivated ensemble who share Varner s plight and compelling vision. After listening to this recording several times, it became apparent, that Varner has established a unique jazz vocabulary . The French horn is one of the most beautiful and engaging of all brass instruments, and Varner's one of the few who play it so well in such a fine jazz context.
Nothing is predictable here.
Another excellent offering from Tom Varner and company. Blaine Fallis, About. He's got an impeccable melodic sense, making songs that ring memorably long after they've departed. Andrew Bartlett, Amazon. Varner's playing is articulate and dazzling throughout .