The Polygraphy Lounge
This is our cousin, Rob Schwimmer and Co.:
Mark Stewart, (left)
and Melissa Fathman
Rob is one of a handful of thereminists in the country; he is a classically trained pianist. This is what he does when he’s “let out.”

Rob Schwimmer is a composer-pianist and thereminist who has performed and recorded throughout the world. His work has been described as “… a brilliant meld of musical discipline, sensuality, technical acumen, and freedom” —A combination that has made Rob’s debut solo piano album Beyond The Sky so highly anticipated. His personal vision of music reflects a unique and probing sensibility combined with his vast experience in many genres with great and fascinating artists.

Rob is also one of the few theremin virtuosos in the world, performing as featured theremin soloist for many projects including the upcoming movie by R.W. Goodwin (producer/ director/ writer of X-Files) “Alien Trespass”, Matthew Barney’s epic movie Cremaster 3, CBS television series Now and Again and A&E’s Breakfast With the Arts (as well as giving Sara Fishko a theremin lesson on the nationally broadcast Studio 360 on NPR). He is an original member of the NY Theremin Society and was one of the chosen participants in the historic (and sold out) 10 Piece Theremin Orchestra at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His previous CD Theremin Noir featured pianist Uri Caine and violinist Mark Feldman.

His compositions have been featured in theater, television series and movies, documentaries and feature films including “Freeheld” Sundance Special Jury Prize 2007, now short-listed in the Academy Award Documentary Short 2008 category (composer) and “Dear Diary” (Dreamworks SKG first Oscar w. Bebe Neuwirth) Academy Award Winner, Best Live Action Short Film 1997 (additional music).

He is a founding member of the highly acclaimed Polygraph Lounge music and comedy duo with multi-instrumentalist Mark Stewart (Bang On A Can Allstars). Other collaborations include The Zmiros Project (CD) with Frank London and Lorin Sklamberg (The Klezmatics).

He was picked to play keyboards, theremin and sing in the elite touring band for Simon and Garfunkel’s “Old Friends” North American and European tours (2003-2004) and appeared in their CD/DVD “Old Friends: Live On Stage”. He has worked with Wayne Shorter, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Chaka Khan, Laurie Anderson, Bette Midler, Queen Latifah, Arif Mardin (Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), Adam Guettel (2005 Tony), T-Bone Walker, Sam Rivers, Marc Shaiman, The Klezmatics (2007 Grammy), Matthew Barney, Ang Lee, Mary Cleere Haran, Maria Schneider (2005 Grammy), Annette Peacock, Gwyneth Paltrow, Marshall Brickman (2006 Tony Nominee), Mabou Mines, Geoffrey Holder, John Cale, Steve Buscemi, Theo Bleckmann, John Stubblefield, Burt Bacharach, Edie Brickell, Teo Macero, Hal Willner, Vernon Reid, The Everly Brothers, Ethel, James Emery, Kurt Vonneg

What people are saying!
Who the hell are they?
What are those wacky instruments??

New York Times:

★ POLYGRAPH LOUNGE Mad genius should always be this fun. As Polygraph Lounge, Rob Schwimmer and Mark Stewart play seemingly any instrument — including those they invented themselves, like the “chaladoo horn” made from plumbing pipe — in riotously clever songs, like their setting of the ubiquitous car-alarm sequence or a “Moby-Dick” medley of whale-centric pop parodies (“A Whiter Shade of Whale,” “Moby I’m Amazed”).

the best laugh in town!(they play at Joe’s Pub several times a year when not on various tours)

Rob has been playing with Jay and The Americans for years
but he is a master musician in his own right:
More on Rob’s latest CD; I’ll be posting it for Song Saturday
Bio;
Music and photos on My Space
he’s played with everyone–see pics here
(toured with Simon & Garfunkle)

Here a few audio clips, they’ll play right through quickly
A riot!!

Have fun!
MAKE SURE YOUR SPEAKERS ARE ON!!

reply shoppingfreedom wrote on Dec 27, ’07 The songs are quite fun to hear. And the clip looks kinda confusing to me. But I can tell that he’s a genius in what he does. You really are so good in making people’s biography. Great job !!! (^o^)v

reply starfishred wrote on Dec 27, ’07 Oh I absolutly love him and his group thanks can’t wait till tommorow

reply anbra6 wrote on Dec 28, ’07 :0))))

reply redheadgirl4 wrote on Dec 28, ’07 You are related to Rob Schwimmer too? You clearly have much more distinguished relatives than I do, that’s amazing! Loved this, great blog! Hugs!

reply froggies67 wrote on Aug 18, ’08 Great work here., you do such goo dwork in you rblog, I truely lik eRob Schwimmer-Music too

reply sanssouciblogs wrote on Aug 18, ’08 froggies67 said Great work here., you do such goo dwork in you rblog, I truely lik eRob Schwimmer-Music too Thanks so much! Rob is truly something!