Ricky Sweum
Saxophonist, composer, and educator, Ricky Sweum brings his passion for modern jazz to audiences and students throughout the world. Ricky currently lives in the Bay Area of California and tours the world as a saxophonist and band leader for the US Air Force Band. He has performed in places ranging from Carnegie Hall to remote Alaskan villages only accessible by airplane.
Recording for the 2009 JazzWeek Record Label of the Year, Origin Records, his CD “Pulling Your Own Strings” (2009) rose to #2 on the CMJ radio charts, #106 on the JazzWeek charts, and was chosen as KUVO-FM’s “CD of the Month”. He worked four years as the jazz director at Colorado College (2007-11) and was featured in the Random House book, “The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends and the Artists of Tomorrow” (2010).
Sweum has toured/recorded/performed with notable groups such as the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Big Band, Chie Imaizumi Jazz Orchestra, 9th+Lincoln Orchestra, Wil Swindler Elevenet, Darren Kramer Organization, and the Ken Walker Sextet.
As a military musician, Ricky has performed for millions throughout the United States at venues including Carnegie Hall, Monterey Jazz Festival, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Telluride Jazz Festival, IAJE (NYC), Twin Cities Jazz Festival, and the Macy’s Day Parade (NYC). He has also toured throughout Japan and recorded and/or performed with Sammy Nestico, Jeff Hamilton, Gordon Goodwin, The New York Voices, Byron Stripling, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Eric Marienthal.
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November 08, 2009
- Dave Liebman (jazz saxophonist and educational legend)
…a great young saxophone player with big sound and a big
future.
- Walt Weiskopf (critically-acclaimed saxophonist and
composer)
Ricky plays with a maturity and control of his instrument that
is a real
pleasure to listen to. His sound commands your attention.
- Bill Evans (Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist)
Ricky Sweum plays with one foot rooted in the tradition and
one looking to
the future. He is a wonderfully creative saxophonist and
prolific composer.
- Gary Smulyan (six-time Grammy Award winning
baritone
saxophonist)
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