As a freelance musician, Chicago native Dave Schumacher has been active on the New York scene for more than the 25 years. As member of Lionel Hampton's Orchestra from 1983 to 1987 he toured the Americas and Europe. He again toured with Hamp in 1988 and 1989. A highlight in Dave's career was traveling with the Art Blakey Big Band to Japan in 1987 to perform at the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival.
Dave is an original member of Harry Connick, Jr.'s Orchestra (19 years), from its beginnings in 1990 to it's recent break-up in 2009. He has thrilled audiences touring with Harry in North America, Europe, Asia (Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea) and Australia. His baritone sax can be heard on each of these Harry Connick, Jr., Columbia recordings: Oh My NOLA, Chanson du Vieux Carre, Only You, When My Heart Finds Christmas, Come By Me, Blue Light Red Light, Songs I Heard, Thou Shalt Not, What A Night and others.
As a freelance artist Dave was a touring member of the T.S. Monk On Monk Ensemble from 1999 to 2000 touring the U.S. and Europe, as well as touring Europe with the Tom Harrell Octet in 2000. Dave has also done freelance work with Nicholas Payton's Louis Armstrong Tribute Big Band, Joe Lovano's 52nd Street Themes Nonet. the groups of Jack McDuff, Eddie Gladden, Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Chico O'Farrill's Afro-Cuban Big Band, Lin Halliday and many others.
Dave has recorded as a sideman with Lionel Hampton, Harry Connick, Jr., Tom Harrell, Scott Whitfield, Jason Lindner, Mel Torme, Ben Wolfe and salsero Billy Carrion among others.
At Rutgers (Livingston College), Dave met Paul Jeffrey , who was to become a major mentor in his life. Dave studied saxophone, arranging and music copying with Paul. Shortly after Dave's graduation from Rutgers, Mr. Jeffrey recommended him to the legendary Lionel Hampton. As a result of this meeting, Dave was hired to become a member of Mr. Hampton's Orchestra - Dave's first gig with a major jazz artist. Also while at Rutgers Dave studied with jazz greats Kenny Barron (Keyboard and Harmony), Ted Dunbar (Improvisation) and Larry Ridley.
At NJCU as a Jazz Performance MM student Dave also focused on woodwind doubling and the art of the adjustment and refinement of single woodwind reeds with Dr. Edward Joffee. Joffee also supervisd Dave's Masters Thesis -"Gene Ammons, The Quintessential Chicago Tenor Player". Dave's longtime in-depth self study of jazz history was also extended in his research projects (jazz history, style and analysis) on saxophonists Don Byas, Arnett Cobb, Sonny Stitt and John Gilmore under the supervision of noted jazz artist and historian Bill Kirchner.
As a composer, Dave's "Al's Rose", was recorded by trombonist Al Grey on his album, The New Al Grey Quintet on Chiaroscuro Records. David's original music and arrange-ments were also played by the Lionel Hampton Big Band on tour around the world.
Dave's arrangements of six compositions (including Sidney Bechet's "Si Tu Vois Ma Mere", Danny Barker's "Tootie Ma" and classic standards "Stumbling" and "Home") are featured on New Orleans master trombonist Lucien Barbarin's 2007 CD - It's Good To Be Home. Many of Dave's compositions are published by Second Floor Music, BMI, New York including a beautiful ballad entitled "On Every Corner" with lyrics penned by vocalist Nnenna Freelon.
As an educator David has maintained a private saxophone studio for more than 20 years teaching saxophone, jazz improvisation, ear training and jazz theory to many young musicians.
As a music copyist (music calligrapher) and engraver (using Score, Sibelius and Finale software), David has had among his clients: Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Abbey Lincoln, Tom Harrell, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band (copying for Jim McNeely, Frank Foster, Slide Hampton), Cedar Walton, Sonny Rollins, Second Floor Music, Boosey and Hawkes and Subito
Mr. Schumacher has three albums as a leader to his credit: Every Corner, Amosaya Records AM-2525-CD, From Another Life, Amosaya Records AM-2528-CD and his newest release Endangered Species, Summit Records DCD 438.
Dave is currently active in the Chicago area as well as his continued performances on the New York freelance scene, working on his new album, and touring with Tenor Saxophonist Jerry Weldon.
