NEW YORK - April 30, 2020 - (Newswire.com)
Grammy Award® considered saxophonist and songwriter Richard Andrew Schwartz recently released his new album “Song for My Mother” featuring two of the last recordings featuring jazz titan Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of the Marsalis family who passed on April 1, 2020, from COVID-19
As a true fan of Mr. Marsalis, the opportunity to record two original compositions, “Alpha Cat” and “7-11 Blues”, with Ellis for the album was a dream come true for Schwartz.
“Ellis was not only an extremely talented musician and a major inspiration in my life but a class-act human being. We had a great time hanging out while recording our tunes,” says Schwartz. “I’m excited about releasing these two songs knowing that Ellis really enjoyed playing my compositions. I was devastated when I heard how Ellis lost his battle with COVID-19. It’s a tragic blow for not only the jazz community but for the music industry as a whole. Ellis loved recording these tunes, and I wish he were here to help me cross the finish line.”
On Schwartz’s 11-song album (distributed by SONY Orchard via WHOMAG Distribution), there are actually two versions of “Alpha Cat” recorded with Ellis – one shortened, the other full-length. The second is a funky tune they recorded together, “7-11 Blues”.
Schwartz dedicates the album to his mother, who recently had a stroke and still suffers from its side effects. “My mom has always been my number one supporter through my musical journey,” he explains. "She made sure each of her children received piano lessons. She also would also take the time to drop us off or pick us up from rehearsals.”
As a member of the select Henry Mancini Institute, Schwartz has performed with jazz luminaries Tom Scott, Diana Krall, Steve Tyrell, Ernie Watts and Dave Grusin. In addition, he’s also performed with artists such as Ben Vereen, Linda Ronstadt and Johnny Mathis, among others.
For more on Richard Andrew Schwartz, visit www.richardandrewschwartz.com
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Album link via the Orchard Distribution - https://orcd.co/qexp8n7
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Original Source: Richard Andrew Schwartz Releases New Album - Including Two Tracks With Departed Jazz Legend Ellis Marsalis
