Talking all Things Music on Bruce Swan "Late Night Groove"

I had the pleasure of a long conversation with DJ and musician Bruce Swan about musical influences, process, and about some of the themes and instrumentation in the new release, ‘Pass It On’. Bruce put many intriguing questions to me and I loved his perceptive comments.

It was on his show, “Late Night Groove” aired on WRFR out of Camden, ME, that he shared our in-depth interview in two parts. He then played half of the record - the first half on the first Sunday, then the second half on the second Sunday (January 26th and February 2nd, respectively). That much play from a record used to be no big deal in radio - but nowadays, it’s a rarity.

We covered a lot of ground, including the cover artwork by Margot Kingon. Did have a special meaning? That was one of the things that Bruce wanted to know more about:

Bruce Swan: "The record cover is essentially three colors, and it's either the edge of a building, or a ledge on a rock wall... but it's a young child standing at the edge looking down... So talk a little if you would about what the symbolism is if any and what's going on in this picture and why it was used for your record."

Margaret McDuffie: "Well… I am a woodworker and I enjoy that Margot works with wood panels. She does collage on wood... and it's a very organic thing. I don't how much of the grain really comes across in the graphics, but that part… just feels anchoring to me... On the other side that big piece of blue... is more about openness and empty space and a void, so it's positive and negative. The figure can mean anything to anybody, for me it's partly all of us looking at what might be coming, not knowing what it is and wondering - do we jump in, do we stay where we are? But it's also to me the artist's position... it's most exciting when you get yourself out on a ledge where you don't know what you're going to do next, and you're looking in that blue void and anything can happen if you decide to step into it, or imagine into it."

It’s great to get the opportunity to talk about the music, and I’m so grateful to Bruce. He has a engaging style and a profound understanding and appreciation of being a songwriter & performer that makes it a joy to talk to him, as well as a very entertaining listen!

“Late Night Groove” airs every Sunday night from 10pm-12midnight, featuring interviews with original music makers, lots of great new original music and an invigorating mix of classic folk, rock, blues, and Americana. If you’re a night owl, you should check in on his show at WRFR.

Meanwhile, you can play the two segments here below. Happy listening!