Swing 42 normally operate as a quartet, comprising clarinet, two acoustic guitars and double bass. However this can be reduced or expanded for special occasions. For example, at the 2015 Christchurch International Jazz and Blues festival they were joined by guest violinist Daniel Weltlinger (Berlin/Sydney) and Christchurch guitarist Burke Goff. For performances in small venues they become Rhythm Futur when only 2 or 3 musicians appear (reeds, guitar and/or double bass).

Reuben Derrick (clarinet and saxophone) performs extensively throughout New Zealand and around the world. In 2014 he graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition. In 2015 he was an artist-in-residence at Music Omi in New York. More recent appearances have been in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Warsaw, Colombo and Wellington.

Bob Heinz (guitar) was a founding tutor of the Ara MusicArts Programme (formerly Christchurch Jazz School). He has had a long interest in the Hot Club style of music. Bob’s long career in music has seen him as a regular performer with the NZ and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras, and with visiting musicians such as James Morrison, Jon Dankworth and Don Rader

Keith Petch (guitar) has been playing gypsy jazz throughout NZ since the 80's and continues to explore this discipline with a passion. During recent years he has spent a lot of his time Spain performing with European musicians.

Michael Kime (double bass) has played with many of New Zealand’s finest musicians in Jazz, Classical and Free Improvisation settings. Michael is a founding member of Christchurch’s celebrated Silencio Ensemble, contributing as a composer and holding the Double Bass chair. Michael has performed in Concert halls and venues in America, Japan and Dubai.