Local favorites, John Nilsen & SWIMFISH will be in concert at Alberta Abbey April 4, 7 pm.
This is an album release concert for the band's 5th album, THE FUTURE OF THE PAST, which has a Jan. 9, 2026 street date. Their last album, TWO STORIES, was up for "album of the year" with Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Two members of the band, including John Nilsen, are inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. John Nilsen has released over 20 albums and this show will feature SWIMFISH back catalog and much material from the new album. Their music falls under the rock umbrella, but also incorporates elements of classical, jazz and folk. They feature great 3 part vocal harmonies.
John Nilsen & SWIMFISH
John Nilsen was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame in October, 2024.
It’s sometimes surprising when a band writes some of its own material. SWIMFISH is a colorful band featuring high quality, original folk/rock music. The line up is bass, drums, guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica & vocals, but their focus lies in first class songwriting. Of course they play some cover tunes, but they are full time musicians/recording artists who also compose great music and Yamaha Piano Artist/band leader John Nilsen’s one million plus record sales warrant it.
SWIMFISH has a unique sound. Singer/songwriter originality based on cultural experience separates them. The debut CD by SWIMFISH, John Nilsen & SWIMFISH, was played throughout the USA on radio to positive reviews. Late founding member of the major rock band, AMERICA, Dan Peek, wrote, “ Major kudos on your CD. The music is superb, the lyrics inspired and the production/arranging are top notch. The songwriting hangs together well and the tracks flow, carving out a groove like a river carves a canyon. You deserve to be heard.” The Oregonian says, “John Nilsen’s career is the envy of many musicians.” John Nilsen & SWIMFISH released, The Future of the Past, their 5th CD in Jan. 2026.
Consisting of John Nilsen - guitar, piano, vocals / Don Woodward - guitar, mandolin, harmonica, vocals / Mike Snyder - drums, percussion / Dave Captein - bass / Bob Logue - guitar, vocals, SWIMFISH came into existence as John Nilsenʼs guitar and vocal band when taking a break from his demanding international piano career. Don Woodward was the first SWIMFISH member to sign on as the two had grown up as next door neighbors and taught each other to play guitar as teenagers. Mike Snyder, who has played with many of the finest musicians in the NW and had been on numerous John Nilsen recording sessions joined the band when it was formed in 2006. Oregon Music Hall of Fame bassist Dave Captein joined the band for their 2nd album. Guitarist & vocalist, Bob Logue, a longstanding veteran guitarist/vocalist of the NW music scene, also joined the band for their 2nd album. John Nilsen and SWIMFISH are finding their groove again with all new material. That comes as no surprise.