Bob Schwartz Quartet

Bob Schwartz Quartet (“BSQ”), with vocals by Nina. Washington City Paper columnist Michael J. West wrote of Bob on tenor sax & flutes: “The only thing more reliable than his gig is his swing. Two albums, a whole lot of elegant, straight-ahead jazz. Bob Schwartz is an impressive presence on the bandstand; his improvisation has the feeling of a lively raconteur, spinning yarns with witty asides and amusing details. He and the band have a special affection for playing standards that have fallen out of the usual rotation, and you’ll no doubt hear some of those more obscure pieces of the repertoire.”

Bob grew up in New York, started flute age 8, added sax, and came of age as the Thad Jones – Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra was starting to play at the Village Vanguard. Bob and school bandmate David Berger (later, founding conductor & arranger for Jazz at Lincoln Center) were there every Monday night they could manage. They kept playing together in the Ithaca College Jazz Lab (borrowing Bob from Cornell) and in their own group with pianist Andy LaVerne. Bob left for law school and came to DC to join the Justice Dept., but 15 years ago emerged from sessions and masterclasses to form BSQ. BSQ has played throughout the DMV, including residencies at jazz clubs and restaurants, and for private clubs and events, including in Las Vegas hotels. For vocals they turned to college band girl Nina Schwartz, who became a regular and nowadays writes her own arrangements, when not oil painting or designing & editing books (including the Public Domain Song Anthology, which Bob initiated & got funded through his law, music, and library connections).

Bassist Herb Nachmann found time while developing rocket guidance systems to study with Pepe Gonzales, and joined BSQ in time for its 2^nd CD, Look for the Silver Lining. Drummer Alan Kirschenbaum, an attorney, has played widely and been “house drummer” in local clubs. Guitarist Jeff Seigle lobbied for an electric guitar at age 7, toured playing rock covers, then at University of Michigan picked up jazz and computer programming. All share the passion and focus that has led alums such as Rob Orwin and Steve Olson to start their own successful bands. About 50 area musicians, from high-schoolers who are now touring pros to established area professionals, have played or sung in this “quartet.”