Sat May 24
Bob Schwartz Quartet
7PM / $20 | $2.33 Fees Get Tickets
Bob Schwartz
Celebrating Sweet Poppa Lou Donaldson
Bob Schwartz Quartet (BSQ) has been featured in DMV restaurants, events, and jazz clubs for 17 years – at Mr. Henry’s, most recently as the band for the Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras show. But Bob and mates Jeff Seigle and Herb Nachmann came of age playing bebop, and are delighted that pal and mentor Tony Martucci can join us on drums and percussion.
This show is dedicated to the great Lou Donaldson, whom Bob came to know and admire. During a summer at Berklee College of Music, Bob and pals spent a week hearing Lou and his quartet every night at the Jazz Workshop. Lou spotted us kids and spent every break with us all week. Lou passed last November at 98; his long
career was one of joy, humor, and decency. (He was an early career mentor to Clifford Brown in forming the first Art Blakey Jazz Messengers front line.)
In 2015, Mike West wrote in the City Paper:
“BSQ, the Bob Schwartz Quartet, has been holding down a biweekly gig at Twins Jazz for a couple of months now. And why not? The only thing more reliable than his gig is his swing. *** Two albums, a whole lot of legant, straight-ahead jazz. *** His improvisation has the feeling of a lively raconteur, spinning yarns with witty asides and amusing details. *** ” Bob started on flute with classical chops, added sax, and played with future leading jazz pro’s (David Berger, Andy LaVerne) through HS and college. But after too long away, found like-minded folks, including Herb and Jeff, in master classes, and formed BSQ. By now, about 70 area musicians – including full-time pros like
Tony and touring pros like Colin Cook while in HS – have played or sung in this “quartet.” Alumni such as Rob Orwin and Steve Olsen, who formed their own bands, often come back to play with us.
Of course we also feature Nina Schwartz. After being drafted early on to sing with us, she’s used her taste, study, fabulous ear, and computer skills to take over as the band’s arranger.
7PM / $20 | $2.33 Fees Get Tickets