The Quartet
The Bruce Swaim Quartet, consisting of Bruce Swaim on tenor sax, Paul Langosch on bass, Jay Cooley on piano and Dominic Smith on drums, are recognized as one of Washington D.C.'s premier jazz quartets. Their pedigree in the music industry has earned the respect of their peers and audiences alike, a rare combination of admiration by those seeking the best of the best. After years of playing as a sideman to Rosemary Clooney, Danny Gatton, and Keter Betts, among many others, Swaim was approached by other highly acclaimed Washington, D.C. notables and longtime friends, Paul Langosch (Tony Bennett's former bassist) and Jay Cooley, who initiated The Bruce Swaim Quartet, adding another well-respected musician and friend, Dominic Smith on drums. Thus it is no surprise that this quartet is receiving its deserved recognition by becoming one of the area's more sought after groups for performing. Their talent in performing jazz standards as well as original compositions, written by Jay Cooley and Bruce Swaim, has become a gauge for excellence with live performances as well as recordings. The Group has received 5 Wammy Awards for jazz group of the year from the Washington Area Music Association.
For booking contact Correine Moore
THE BRUCE SWAIM QUARTET
BRUCE SWAIM – Saxophone
Bruce attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as a performance major in saxophone.
He also studied with acclaimed saxophonist James Houlik and became a full-time musician in the 1970’s.
Bruce moved from North Carolina to the Washington, D.C. area in 1981 where he has remained since.
Moving from North Carolina to Washington, D.C., Bruce was given the opportunity to work professionally with many notables including Keter Betts, Carl Allen, Danny Gatton, Rosemary Clooney, Dick Morgan, Martha Reeves, Millie Jackson, The Spinners, Michael Feinstein, Houston Person, The Four Tops and The Temptations.
He is an active studio musician with many independent pop, jazz and blues recording projects along with numerous film, T.V. soundtracks and jingles. Bruce is an accomplished musical composer in addition to scoring horn charts for studio and live performances for other musicians.
His performance credits and venues include BET, The Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Wolf Trap, DAR Constitution Hall, Strathmore, The Ramshead, The National Gallery of Art and The White House to name a few. Bruce has received two Wammy Awards for Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year from the Washington Area Music Association.
PAUL LANGOSCH – Bass
Paul began his studies in double bass with Albert Webster of the National Symphony and later continued private lessons with William Vaughn, also of the National Symphony. He began his college studies at Montgomery College School of Music in Rockville, Maryland, and then attended American University in Washington, D.C., in addition to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
Paul currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
Paul has worked with many of the leaders in the jazz world including Phil Woods, Tal Farlow, Al Cohn, Mose Allison, Johnny Hartman, Bud Shank, Zoot Sims, Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. His touring credits include John Hendricks, George Shearing, Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, Susanna McCorkle and Conte Candoli.
In 1985 Paul was invited by Tony Bennett to become a permanent member of his trio. His association with Mr. Bennett lasted over twenty years and has included performances on ten CDs, appearances on numerous television shows and specials in addition to the multiple tours both nationally and internationally.
JAY COOLEY – Piano
Jay studied music at Montgomery College School of Music in Rockville, Maryland and Catholic University School of Theory and Composition.
Jay currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
Jay’s career has included appearances with Charlie Byrd, Phil Wood, Keter Betts, Chuck Redd, Ethel Ennis, Ernestine Anderson and Lennie Cuje. His career highlights also include that of musical director and guest accompanist for many musicians. In addition, Jay is an accomplished composer and has worked extensively with The Bruce Swaim Quartet with many of his original works.
Jay has performed at The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Strathmore Hall, The National Gallery of Arts, along with countless jazz festivals and concert series.
DOMINIC SMITH – Drums
Dominic attended Towson State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Jazz Performance. He has studied privately in New York City with Kenny Washington, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Ralph Peterson, Frank Malabe, Duduka Da Fonseca, Mike Clark, and Kim Plainfield. Dominic’s local musical guru was the legendary Washington, D.C. drummer, Mike Smith.
Dominic currently resides in the Baltimore, Maryland area.
He has played with many nationally known jazz musicians including Charlie Byrd, Keter Betts, Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern, Phil woods, Jim Snidero, Ben Wolf, Phil Markowitz, Buster Williams, James Williams, Nick Brignola, Scott Hamilton, Mark Elf, Dennis Irwin, Greg Abate, Kenny Rankin, Buck Hill, and Ray Bryant.
Dominic has performed at many well known venues such as Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, The Millennium Stage, Stathmore Hall and The National Gallery of Arts, in addition to his regular appearances at local clubs and educational performances.