Remain In Friendship: Saxophonist Josh Schwartz Addresses Upcoming Cool Cool Cool Departure

Baritone saxophonist/vocalist Josh Schwartz will part ways with Cool Cool Cool, the band he-co-founded with other ex-members of Turkuaz, after their show on March 17 in Buffalo. Schwartz recently detailed the reasoning behind the departure in a note shared on social media.

Cool Cool Cool announced Schwartz’s departure last week. “Our brother Josh is making a big leap and moving on to other ventures, and we couldn’t be more excited for him. He’s decided to focus on his solo endeavors- look out for him on the Miami scene,” wrote the band.

“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,” the group added.

The New Jersey-bred Schwartz spent more than a decade as a member of Turkuaz. Schwartz and six of his bandmates abruptly left Turkuaz in November of 2021 leading to the group’s dissolution. The seven former Turkuaz members united in Cool Cool Cool with Schwartz, trumpeter Chris Brouwers and tenor saxophonist Greg Sanderson forming The Horn Section for collaborations with many artists including a tour alongside Zac Brown Band. Schwartz launched a solo career under the JOSCH moniker last year.

Josh Schwartz’s statement about the decision, which he posted earlier this week, notes he’ll continue to participate in Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew Remain In Light shows. Schwartz will also be part of The Horn Section, though he won’t join Brouwers and Sanderson at any of the Jazz Fest shows. “And you still may see me doing short runs with other acts around the country,” he added of his future plans outside his current home of Miami.

Unlike the breakup of Turkuaz, Schwartz leaves Cool Cool Cool on friendly terms. “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. I can’t begin to describe the depth of my love, admiration, and appreciation for them all as instrumentalists, as singers, as humans,” stated Schwartz. “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.”

Josh Schwartz follows more love for his soon-to-be former bandmates by posing the question many might have been considering after reading the start of the statement — “Okay, so if I love my bandmates and being in the band so much, why the hell am I leaving?” He went on to explain the tough decision comes in big part because he is really enjoying his time in his current home of Miami and its local music scene. “I’ve found Miami to have a rich, diverse and growing local music scene combining jazz, funk, African and Latin elements that has welcomed me with open arms,” Schwartz continued. “The musical talent in and around Miami is staggering and I know I’ve only scratched the surface.”

He also realized he’s paid a toll for his decades on the road. “I’m choosing to tour less for my body and mind,” Schwartz said. “As I near closer to 40, my joints and digestion are making it clearer each year that they prefer less travel.” He’s ready to “prioritize [his] health and wellness” at this point. Finally, he wants to spend more time on his JOSCH solo project.

“You haven’t seen the last of Cool Cool Cool. They’re a musical and creative powerhouse that cannot be stopped by a minor personnel shift,” Schwartz began the final part of his statement. “I have full confidence in them and am so excited to watch them grow and shine with the rest of the world.”

Josh Schwartz wraps his time with Cool Cool Cool on Sunday, March 17 in Buffalo. See the full touring schedule by scrolling below after the full statements from the band and Schwartz.

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