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David Schumacher

David Schumacher is a composer and saxophonist who began his schooling with Branford Marsalis and Andrew Speight at Michigan State University. While there he worked with Charles Ruggiero and Mark Sullivan to complete a BM in Composition/Theory in 1997. Following that he spent two years studying composition with Bob Brookmeyer at the New England Conservatory of Music earning a MM in Jazz Studies-Composition (with distinction in performance). Along the way Schumacher has also studied with jazz greats George Russell, Jerry Bergonzi, Rodney Whitaker, and Marcus Belgrave.

David has been a member of the BMI Jazz Composers' Workshop led by Jim McNeely and Mike Abene, and is currently co-leader of Sound Assembly (www.soundassembly.net) in New York City. Sound Assembly is a 17-piece collective of New York's finest players featuring the original compositions of David Schumacher and JC Sanford. Their latest CD "Edge of the Mind" was released in February on the Beauport Jazz label to rave reviews.

In addition to his projects in NYC, David teaches extensively in the Boston area and has performed with artists including Bob Brookmeyer, Branford Marsalis, Frank Carlberg, and the Bob Brookmeyer Composer’s Big Band. His compositions have been commissioned by schools and performers including: New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, Michigan State University, Oswego State University, LeMoyne College, Chalumeau Chamber Ensemble, Joshua Thomas, Joe Lulloff, Dead Cat Bounce, Triocracy, Andrew Speight, and various high schools across the country. His works have been performed at the Kennedy Center, North American Saxophone Alliance conference, Jordan Hall, and jazz festivals throughout the United States.

Schumacher's compositional efforts include works for large and small jazz ensembles, symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, musical theater, and voice. His works have been performed by artists and groups including Sound Assembly, Allan Chase, Frank Carlberg, Joe Lulloff, Marco Albonetti, Josh Thomas, Jeremy Koch, Dead Cat Bounce, Triocracy, and various college and high school ensembles across the country.

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Album Review

David Schumacher: Endangered Species

Read "Endangered Species" reviewed by Jim Santella


As the spice of life, variety plays a major role in David Schumacher's Summit debut. The baritone saxophonist enjoys a hearty organ combo ambience, along with tracks dedicated to Latin jazz, blues, straight-ahead jazz, and even a little hip-hop. His organ combos give the session a contemporary spirit that flows from tradition and remains timeless today.

Originally from Chicago and now based in New York, Schumacher began his professional career with in Lionel Hampton's big band. More mainstream ...

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“Taking the angular bravado of Charles Mingus and re-imagining it for the 21st century, this 17-piece jazz orchestra from New York brings it full-force on their album of original, unique compositions. With stab-tone sectionals and blazing solos, “Edge of the Mind” displays an energetic big band who has evolved to a place where they can make musical violence sound romantic.” - CD Baby (where we are an Editor’s Pick for Jazz)

“These are in essence thought-provoking works that commands one's unwavering awareness and consideration. If due diligence is given, the rewards can be sizable…It's an ample meal…easily digested by epicures.” - All About Jazz

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