Career
In 1987 he co-founded jazz trio The Necks with Chris Abrahams on keyboards and Tony Buck on drums. In 1991 he formed his own group, The catholics. He has performed solo improvisation concerts on double bass.
Swanton has performed with The Benders, Clarion Fracture Zone, Sydney Symphony, Vince Jones, Alpha Centauri Ensemble, the Mighty Reapers, the Seymour Group, Tim Finn, Stephen Cummings and Wendy Matthews.
As well as music for his own bands, Swanton has composed several film soundtracks. Swanton hosts the radio show Mixed Marriage on Eastside Radio in Sydney, a weekly program looking at crossings of jazz with other musical styles.