[UPDATE]: Following Thursday’s announcement that he will leave Cool Cool Cool, saxophonist/vocalist Josh Schwartz posted a lengthy statement on Saturday explaining his amiable departure. Schwartz will leave the post-Turkuaz group following its ongoing debut headlining tour.
“I’ve spent my entire adult life touring the country and eventually the world with these amazing musicians, first in Turkuaz and then as Cool Cool Cool,” Schwartz wrote on Instagram. “I can’t begin to describe the depth of my love, admiration, and appreciation for them all as instrumentalists, as singers, as humans. Very early on, they quickly went from bandmates to being family to me. We’ve all seen each other at our highest highs and our lowest lows. I guess that’s kind of the definition of what family is, especially a family that travels and lives together in close quarters so much of the year for so many years. I know them better than most people in my life, and vice versa.”
Schwartz continued to sing his bandmates’ praises before breaking the fourth wall to ask himself, “Okay, so if I love my bandmates and being in the band so much, why the hell am I leaving?” His reasons were multi-faceted, including his recent embrace of the vibrant Miami music scene where he now lives. Also, as he approaches turning 40, Schwartz says he is choosing to tour less “for my body and mind.” Finally, Schwartz has also started releasing his own original solo music under the monicker JOSCH and says he “still has many songs in the chamber ready for release.”
“So what does this all mean ultimately?” Schwartz asked rhetorically. “I’ll still perform in the Remain in Light shows with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew including High Sierra and the upcoming tour. I’ll still be part of The Horn Section, though unfortunately I won’t make it to New Orleans for any of the Jazz Fest shows. And you still may see me doing short runs with other acts around the country. It’s just that Miami will be seeing a lot more of me than the rest of the country.
In closing, Schwartz signed off, “It’s been a long, strange trip, a trip that’s not ending but just shifting direction. You haven’t seen the last of me, nor have you seen the last of Cool Cool Cool. They’re a musical and creative powerhouse that cannot be stopped by a minor personnel shift. I have full confidence in them and am so excited to watch them grow and shine with the rest of the world. Thank you and I love you.”
Read the full statement from Josh Schwartz below and scroll down for additional context.
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[3/7/24]: Cool Cool Cool announced on Thursday that baritone saxophonist/vocalist Josh Schwartz will be parting ways with the band following its ongoing debut headlining tour. Per a note from the band posted to social media, Schwartz will finish out the group’s March tour schedule before stepping away to focus on his solo endeavors.
“Our brother Josh is making a big leap and moving on to other ventures, and we couldn’t be more excited for him,” the note reads. “He’s decided to focus on his solo endeavors—look out for him on the Miami scene. … After touring the world together over the last 15 years, we’re all family here and continue to support each other always. Josh and his many talents will certainly be missed on the Cool Cool Cool stage. … Let’s all wish him well, and come check us out during his final run with the band this March on Never Noticed tour!”
Related: Cool Cool Cool: The New Avengers Of The Turkuaz Cinematic Universe [Interview]
Cool Cool Cool, formed in late 2022 by Schwartz and six of his former Turkuaz bandmates—Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garett (vocals), Michelangelo Carubba (drums), Greg Sanderson (alto sax/tenor sax, vocals), Craig Brodhead (guitar, keys), and Chris Brouwers—had a statement-making year in 2023 featuring extensive outings with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew‘s Remain In Light, a stretch of dates supporting (and collaborating with) party-starters Andy Frasco & The U.N., various assorted festival appearances, and more. The band also spent significant time writing and recording new music due to be released in 2024. While Schwartz will no longer be a part of the regular Cool Cool Cool lineup, he confirmed to Live For Live Music that he will maintain his involvement with The Horn Section and Remain In Light.
Related: 10 Of The Best Things We Saw On Jam Cruise 20: Days 4 & 5 [Photos/Videos]
In recent months, Schwartz has ramped up the rollout process for his debut solo LP, Ethereality, under his new moniker, JOSCH. Watch the striking video for the debut JOSCH single, “Icarus In Motion”, here. Read an interview with Schwartz and his Ethereality collaborator and former Turkuaz bandleader Dave Brandwein about releasing the record following Turkuaz’s split here.
For a list of the final Cool Cool Cool shows featuring Josh Schwartz—and the various other dates on the calendar once he takes his leave—visit the band’s website here.
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