Sat Aug 9
Bob Schwartz Quintet
7PM / $20 | $2.33 Fees Get Tickets
Bob Schwartz
Remembering Clifford Brown and Brown Roach Unlimited
This is the second half of our commemoration of Lou Donaldson and Clifford Brown, the first “front line” for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The first was May 24 here at Mr. Henry’s, our packed-house “Sweet Poppa Lou” show. Lou had heard about Brownie, tracked him down, and brought him to NYC to record together & then do “A Night at Birdland” with Horace Silver & Art Blakey.
Brownie went on to a spectacular but tragically short career, with Max Roach, Harold Land, Sonny Rollins, George Morrow, and the even younger & super-talented pianist & arranger Richie Powell – Brown Roach Unlimited. We’ll be celebrating that band and Brownie’s recordings with Sarah and Dinah with Joe Brotherton starring on trumpet and Nick Ruggieri on drums.
BSQ (Bob Schwartz Quartet / Quintet) has been featured throughout the DMV for 17 years; we were also the band for this year’s Mr. Henry’s Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras show. 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 elegant, 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 pros (David Berger, Andy LaVerne) through HS and college. But after too long away, found like-minded folks to form BSQ, now featuring Herb Nachmann & Jeff Seigel. About 70 area musicians, including present and future full-time pros, 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.
We also feature Nina Schwartz. After being drafted early on to sing with us, she’s used her taste, study, and fabulous ear to take over as the band’s arranger.
7PM / $20 | $2.33 Fees Get Tickets