Biography
December 1991 saw Glenn Milchem assume the drum chair for Canadian folk and country rock outfit Blue Rodeo after Cleave Anderson exited the lineup. Two decades into his career he issued a solo debut, Turning Blue, on which he served as producer, songwriter, and principal instrumentalist; issued under the Swallows name in 2001, the album carried a tougher indie-rock edge than listeners accustomed to his Blue Rodeo work might have anticipated.
During the first half of the 1980s Milchem performed with multiple acts on Toronto’s Queen Street circuit. An independently released cassette, Acting Natural, appeared in 1986, yet unfavorable response persuaded him to shelve further solo projects for several years. By 1988 he had become Andrew Cash’s drummer—Cash would later establish the Cash Brothers with his brother Peter of the Skydiggers—and appeared on the major-label follow-up Boomtown. Session work also linked him with Colin Linden, Malcolm Burn, Andy Curran, and Change of Heart. In 1991 Jim Cuddy telephoned to invite an audition with Blue Rodeo; after recording the Lost Together album with the group, Milchem was soon installed as a permanent member.
During the first half of the 1980s Milchem performed with multiple acts on Toronto’s Queen Street circuit. An independently released cassette, Acting Natural, appeared in 1986, yet unfavorable response persuaded him to shelve further solo projects for several years. By 1988 he had become Andrew Cash’s drummer—Cash would later establish the Cash Brothers with his brother Peter of the Skydiggers—and appeared on the major-label follow-up Boomtown. Session work also linked him with Colin Linden, Malcolm Burn, Andy Curran, and Change of Heart. In 1991 Jim Cuddy telephoned to invite an audition with Blue Rodeo; after recording the Lost Together album with the group, Milchem was soon installed as a permanent member.
Albums
