Above And Beneath

Swim | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 7, 2001)
• Original Release Date: July 7, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Liilaa
• ASIN: B00006JSMD
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,491,798 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

swim is a pseudonym for live, to live within the vibration of life and sound, to swim within it. The music of swim could be characterized as a hybrid of Jeff Buckley and Bono singing songs written/arranged by Peter Gabriel and Sting, and produced by Pink Floyd. swim has been in existence since 1995 and has evolved into the six-member band who created the album above and beneath. They are a group of elevationists called "an excellent ensemble" by Relic magazine after their 1998 performance in Amsterdam, Holland.

After much growth and evolution over the past six years, swim melded into the perfect union of artists to complete above and beneath in 2001. Joshua Kobak leads the way as the singer/songwriter frontman using his passionate vocals and visionary lyrics as a canvas for his bandmates. Adding bold colors to the music, Katy Pfaffl (Katy Pfaffl Band) joins swim as a violinist, pianist and guitarist sharing her spirit through intense improvisation and angelic vocals. As the backbone of swim, Sean Dixon’s (The Chesterfields) creative approach to the drums brings a symphonic texture to every song where bassist Danton Boller (Jazz Mandolin Project) exists deep in the pocket in effortless harmony. Together they create vast landscapes and original grooves. Taking the music to a new level, Dan Johnson on tabla and Sebastian Guerrero on numerous South American percussion instruments add a world of influential beats and colors to Joshua’s melodic songwriting.

Joshua Kobak is a New Yorker by way of Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and his hometown of Medina Ohio. Armed with his guitar and pen, he has traveled cross-continentally on motorcycles, swung sledgehammers in factories, ridden subway cars in the earliest hours of the morning, and has been on the brightest stages in front of thousands and in the smallest clubs for less than a dozen. Along the way, he picked up the rhythms of those trains, the clang of the hammers, the wind on the roads and a following of people across the country who have heard him do what he does best.

Joshua has done something rare and courageous with swim, he has stepped out into the center of the arena to open his unique sound to the world. swim is a band of creative artists who are committed to telling the story of Joshua’s journey in words and music. They share knowledge gained from Joshua’s experience in a way that is open, immediate and above all truthful. The vibrations of the sound are clear, above and beneath, now there is only one thing to do...swim.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Music!, November 11, 2002

By 

Nina (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Above And Beneath (Audio CD)

I first heard "Fall into the Sea" by accident and I found it really interesting. It's very original and has it's own unique sound. On a whim one night I went to go see them play and I was completely blown away. All of their songs are great and I would definitely recommend ordering it. Every member of Swim is extremely gifted and they put on a great show.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Time Music Junkie, October 17, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Above And Beneath (Audio CD)

I first listened to Swim as a downloaded MP3 (Fall Into The Sea). I thought, "This is really a great song". After listening to it for a while I decided to get the CD on the hope that at least two or three other songs would be at least OK. The whole CD is very good. Some of the other songs are great! All of the songs are at least good. Can't wait for the next CD.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original and Magnificent!, September 21, 2002

By 

Lauren C (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Above And Beneath (Audio CD)

I first heard of this CD through a friend and thought I'd give it a listen and I totally fell in love with it. Every song has a different vibe. Joshua said at a gig "it goes above and beneath" Some of the above songs are Maya, Music, and Rhyme they just make ya feel good! Some beneath songs are I'm Sorry & Drought, Which you could listen to when your down. You will get your monies worth with this CD, It's become my favorite CD and Swim my new favorite band. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD.