Radam Schwartz
Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz pianist, has built his reputation over the last 35 years playing with such great musicians as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman, Russell Malone, Cecil Brooks III and Jimmy Ford. He continues to make music history today playing with renowned artists, Bill Saxton, Iron City, The Spirit of Life Ensemble and many others.
Radam’s prolific career has led to many successful recordings. His recording, Organized (Muse Records 1995), was mentioned in the B3 Bible as one of the essential organ records of all time. He also has been featured on Cecil Brooks III and the CBIII band, For Those Who Love to Groove (was # 4 on the Jazz Charts-Savant Records); Our Day Will Come (Blue Lady Records) with the Tommy Gryce Trio; The Lenny Roberts Quartet, Keepin’ it on the D.L.; Jazz at Crossroads; and Russell Gunn’s Mood Swings (was # 1 on the Jazz Charts-HighNote Records), Brooklyn Soul Organization (M&N Records). In all, he has been on over 40 recordings as a sideman, 7 as a leader, and 2 as a co-leader. His most recent endeavor on Arabesque Records is entitled 2 Sides of the Organ Comboand features Radam with 2 ensembles, The Smooth Side with Bryan Carrott on vibes, Mike Lee on tenor saxophone and Andrew Atkinson on drums, and the Groove Side with Marcus Printup on trumpet, Anthony Ware on alto saxophone, Charlie Sigler on guitar, and Andrew Atkinson on drums.
In 2005, Radam’s recording Conspiracy for Positivity(Blue Ark Records) occupied a spot on the National Jazz Charts for 14 straight weeks, climbing as high as number 15. Magic Tales, the second recording with his group, was released on Arabesque Recordings in 2007,and got as high as #11 on the charts and stayed on the charts also for 14 weeks( this recording was also given an award by as one of the top 10 Sesac Jazz records 0f 2007-08). In March 2009, Savant Records released Blues Citizens by Radam and an all-star group of Bruce Williams, Bill Saxton, Eric Johnson and Cecil Brooks III, which got the #9 position on the Jazz Charts (also given a Sesac Award). Some of the artists (previously not mentioned) that Radam has recorded with are, Sonny Fortune, Rodney Jones, Ed Cherry, Bruce Williams, Bill Saxton, Frank Lacy, Don Braden, Gene Ghee, Jeff Hackworth, Clifford Adams, Jay Hogard, Irwin Hall, Julian Lee, James Stewart, Brad Leali, Jerome Jennings, Carrie Jackson, Madame Pat Tandy, Ty Stephens.
Radam had hosted a Jam Session from 1986 to 20016, beginning at the famous Peppermint Lounge in Orange, New Jersey, and in 1997 when the Mint closed its doors, moving to the Crossroads in Garwood, where he played every Tuesday for 19 years, making this the longest running session in New Jersey history. Over the years, famous musicians like Etta Jones, Rhoda Scott, Jimmy McGriff, Roy Ayers, Woody Shaw, Bobby Watson, and George Benson all enjoyed playing at the Jam Sessions. He is a regular at Showmans in Harlem, NY (one of the few remaining organ clubs).
Radam also has been a jazz educator for many years, with several generations of young musicians being mentored by him. He served as music director at the Jazz Institute of New Jersey for close to 20 years, also served as an artist-in-residence at Middlesex County Arts High School, taught at the Jazz Academy in Red Bank, NJ, Jazz Connections in Montclair NJ. Jazz House Kids, and is the director of the Rutgers Newark Mosaic Jazz Ensemble.
