Rob Schwimmer
Composer
PianistThereminist
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"Freeheld" 2008 Academy Award Winner (composer) "Extraordinary...harmonically ravishing...a dazzling two-handed ostinato-based piece where Oscar Peterson and Sergei Prokofiev break bread... a most stimulating release that stays fresh after countless rehearings" – Gramophone January '08 "(One of) downtown's best piano talents" – The New Yorker "With Schwimmer, more is more" – Jazziz "Theremin master" – The New York Times Rob interviewed on WNYC by David Garland "Shaping up to be the finest solo piano CD of 2007... Once in a great while in the musical incubator of the NYC downtown club scene, a truly musically sophisticated work with broad appeal emerges as if from nowhere... Short pieces and miniatures display dazzling technique and use brevity to enhance their passion. His complete mastery of dynamics and transition remind of how that which is left unsaid can be delicately powerful, with achingly beautiful quiet passages deftly contrasted with forte." – Elliott Simon; All About Jazz--New York, 8/07 "Dancing easily between both (classical and jazz) worlds ... machine-gun speed and clarity ... dense, rhythmically involving work ... unequivocally classical pieces... Mr. Schwimmer draws on the kind of dark harmonies more typical in Frederic Rzewski's concert music than in jazz ... crisp, disciplined keyboard technique that thrives best in rhythmically complex and coloristically varied music..." – Allan Kozinn; The Sunday New York Times, Arts & Leisure section 3/25/07 "Substantial artistry...a genuinely impressive sense of structure (in his compositions) with a jazz-fueled spontaneity and an ear for instantly memorable melodies in these clever, attractive miniatures...an original, compelling voice...a vivid imagination that recognizes no borders." – Steve Smith; Time Out New York, 3/22/07 "Legendary keyboard talents ... astonishing artistry ... amazing pianistic skills, incredible improv abilities, compositional brilliance, and theremin chops. This is exquisitely beautiful music." – Ernie Rideout; Keyboard, February 2007 issue "Brainy and dreamy" – Charlene Baldridge; San Diego News "Beyond the Sky is fantastic. In every way ... writing, playing and pianistically. Dynamically. Lyrically. I could go on. Congratulations. You're killin', man!" – Michael Brecker; Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist/ composer "Meaningful, intelligent and evocative music--Not to mention great piano playing!" – Paul Simon "Utterly unique ... Virtuoso in the extreme ... One of a kind ... Such great surprises! The structures are so thoughtful and complete ... I couldn't wait to hear the next track ... The most imaginative version of Stormy Weather I've ever heard ... The world deserves to hear you!" (Beyond the Sky) – Leonid Hambro; renowned classical pianist/ competition judge "Not only is Rob Schwimmer one of my first call piano players, he's also a great artist in his own right. His compositions, technique and interpretation all come together on Beyond The Sky —Some of the best piano playing I've ever heard!" – Arif Mardin; legendary producer/arranger, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |
Rob Schwimmer writes and plays piano music with a sensual core — Beautiful, sometimes quiet and intimate — sometimes wild and thrilling, but always magical, very personal ... and a bit different. |