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.
Last Updated: May 9, 2009
“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
“These guys are carving out their own territory in the realm of the modern
jazz orchestra. The music is full of lights and shadows, twists and turns, and
affords plenty of surprises. Definitely worth checking out!” - Jim McNeely
“Their band and their writing combine to make a valuable contribution to our
field. May they continue and prosper!” - Bob Brookmeyer
“The orchestration is on point. Sounds great!” - Branford Marsalis
“An intriguing, varied and demanding package, to which this orchestra
responds, in typical New York fashion, with awesome fire and precision”
- Irish Times
“The music that the Schumacher/Sanford Sound Assembly creates is
intelligent, vital, very well-played and most assuredly good for your mind and
soul” - Hartford Courant
“...pushes the envelope, finding yet more new places where big band jazz can
go... nothing short of fascinating. This is very cerebral music. Yet it's also
breathtakingly beautiful in places for many, many reasons...” - Lucid Culture
“This is a natural and organic record...thick, exciting, haunting, and
frequently audacious. Sound Assembly has forged a brave set of numbers
with Edge of the Mind (and) created something special.” - Blogcritics
Magazine
“This large ensemble produces an exciting modern jazz sound propelled by
intelligent charts and flawless execution by a first-rate cast of musicians.” -
Ejazz News
“All around, this is one of the richest albums I've listened to in 2009, & gets a
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me. I expect (& you should too) to hear a lot
more from these folks... they're ON IT!” - Dick Metcalf aka Rotcod Zzaj
“Following the rules of the past but not swallowing the dictates blindly, this
17 piece jazz orchestra...knows how to kick out the jams and do it for
contemporary ears. Traditional and forward thinking are never far away.
A real treat for big sound deprived ears.” - Midwest Record
