Evan Schwam attended New York’s La Guardia High School of Music, Art and the Performing Arts. Here he was first introduced to jazz while playing the tenor saxophone in the jazz ensemble under the direction of tuba great Bob Stewart.

In 1996, as part of the New York All-City High School Jazz Band, Evan was selected to perform for president Clinton's 50th birthday party at Radio City Music Hall. With members of the saxophone section, he played "Happy Birthday" at a private closed-door reception for the president and first lady.

While attending the Manes College of Music’s New School Jazz Program, Evan studied with  Chico Hamilton, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Junior Mance, Arnie Lawrence, Chris Byars, Aaron Sachs and Cecil McBee. Upon graduation, Evan joined Chico Hamilton’s Euphoria band and has been playing with him ever since.

In 2006 Evan got the opportunity to perform again for president Clinton. With pianist Junior Mance, he played a musical tribute to the former president as he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at New School University.

In 2007 also Evan performed at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival with both Cassandra Wilson and Chico Hamilton.

Evan was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2008 Thelonius Monk International Saxophone Competition.

Evan regularly performs around the New York City area with his Quartet.

Noteworthy Performances

    2001 Free Jazz Festival -  Rio De Janeiro & Sao Paulo, Brazil
    2003 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
    2004 Ford Detroit Jazz Festival
    2005 Playboy Jazz Festival -  (Hollywood Bowl) Los Angeles, CA
    2005 Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors Festival - New York, NY
    2007 Newport Jazz Festival -  Newport, RI
    2007 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival - New York, NY
    2009 Rochester Jazz Festival - Rochester, NY


Discography

Evan plays tenor and soprano saxophones, as well as flute on the following cd releases from NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton:

Koch Jazz:
 “Foreststorn”
 “Thoughts of...”

Joyous Shout!:
 "Juniflip" (featuring Evan's composition "Mr. Hamilton"),
 "Believe" (featuring Evan's composition "Evan's-ville," 
 "6th Avenue Romp" 
 "Heritage"
 "Hamiltonia"
 "Twelve Tones Of Love" (Featuring Evan's composition "Happiness Prevails")




Press:

"The band members showed what they had...Mr. Schwam playing throaty, crying choruses."
                                                                                        Ben Ratliff (New York Times)


"Saxman Evan Schwam glides his tenor over Hamilton's sizzling cymbal work on "Thoughts Of Prez," and shows a gentle, affecting tone on the spacious "Thoughts Of Trane."
                                                                                        Robin Tolleson (Downbeat)


"Evan is a smart and sensitive player and has a lyricism don't often find these days."
                                                                                        NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton