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

In 1996, as part of the New York All-City High School Jazz Band, Even was selected to perform for president Clinton's 50th birthday party at Radio City Music Hall. Along with the other members of the saxophone section, they 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 jazz legends Chico Hamilton, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Junior Mance, Arnie Lawrence, and Cecil McBee. Upon graduation, Evan joined Chico Hamilton’s band and has been playing with Chico ever since.

Performances with Hamilton have included:

    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


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


Evan can be heard on Chico Hamilton’s cd releases “Foreststorn” & “Thoughts of...” on Koch Jazz (2001, 2002) which feature Evan on the tenor saxophone and the flute.

In 2006, Joyous Shout! released: "Juniflip" (featuring Evan's composition "Mr. Hamilton"), "Believe" (featuring Evan's composition "Evan's-ville," "6th Avenue Romp" (featuring 3 of Evans arrangements), and "Heritage." All 4 cd's were released to commemorate Chico Hamilton's 85th birthday.

In 2007 Joyous Shout! released "Hamiltonia," which is a spot light on Hamilton's original compositions.

The above cd's all feature Evan on the tenor and soprano saxophones, and the flute.



"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