Updates

THE FIRST SINGLE,"ELBA'S RHYTHM DANCE," IS STREAMING NOW

VIDEO “ELBA’S RHYTHM DANCE” ON YOUTUBE

“It’s a joy to witness the activities of SAM involving musicians and audiences with special needs. I love seeing the enthusiasm of Sam Baum and his wonderful colleagues playing music. it's a lesson of life for everyone." — 17X Grammy nominee, jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch

"This music harkens back, melodically and harmonically, to another era — the ’30s and ’40s. I hear Monk. I hear Horace Silver. In some of the Latin-oriented pieces, I hear Pérez Prado." — 7X Grammy nominee, drummer and composer Bobby Sanabria.

From My Shiny Imagination: Music by Sam Baum is the forthcoming album by pianist and composer Sam Baum, to be released in April 2026 in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day. Recorded January 4, 2026 at Old Soul Studio in Catskill, New York, the album presents a complete program of Baum’s original compositions.

The recording is closely connected to Special Audiences and Musicians (SAM), the New York–based nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by trumpeter and educator Jeffrey Nussbaum, Baum’s father, and dedicated to supporting jazz musicians with disabilities. Through SAM, Nussbaum has built working jazz ensembles and presented performances in hospitals, senior centers, schools, residences for blind adults, and union venues across New York City and the surrounding region. Musicians are engaged on a paid, professional basis, with many performances contracted through the American Federation of Musicians’ Local 802.

The music on From My Shiny Imagination is performed by the Special Audiences and Musicians Jazz Ensemble, with Baum on piano alongside violinist Lev Garfein, baritone saxophonist Sarah Turkiew, bassist Tony Ventura, guitarist and harmonica player Noe Socha, and conga player Braulio Thorne. Three guest artists appear on the session: Dan Block, a Juilliard-trained clarinetist and saxophonist who served as musical director; Bobby Sanabria, a Berklee-trained drummer, bandleader, and educator; and composer and multi-instrumentalist David Amram, who appears on penny whistle.

Several members of the ensemble bring long personal and professional histories to the project. Socha, blind since infancy, has long anchored the group’s sound. “Noe has really big ears,” Nussbaum says. Turkiew, an autistic baritone saxophonist and composer, earns Nussbaum’s description as “a monster player.” Ventura, a New York–area bassist who contracted polio as a child, brings decades of experience as a working musician. Thorne, also blind, first sat in on congas through a SAM residency before joining the ensemble more formally. Garfein, who is on the autism spectrum, came to the project through pianist Fred Hersch’s circle.

Sanabria is explicit about the standard he brings to the project. “I don’t want people to look at this recording as some quirky kind of oddity,” he says. “I want it judged on its musical merits — good music, played by great musicians.”

“As instrumental musicians, we don’t have the luxury of lyrics,” Sanabria continues. “If a singer performs something like ‘Good Morning Heartache,’ you know immediately what it’s about. When you’re playing that feeling on an instrument, everything has to come through the sound.” He adds, “I’ve taught and worked with autistic musicians in schools and on bandstands, and I don’t lower the bar for anybody.”

Sanabria hears Baum’s writing within a longer musical continuum. “This music harkens back, melodically and harmonically, to another era — the ’30s and ’40s,” he says. “I hear Monk. I hear Horace Silver. In some of the Latin-oriented pieces, I hear Pérez Prado.”

Rehearsals are limited by design, a practice Nussbaum applies across SAM ensembles. “We tend to learn the material on the gig,” he says. “I feel the group learns it on a deeper level when the pressure is on.” He adds, “Jazz, ultimately, the highest goal is individual expression.”

Before founding SAM, Nussbaum spent more than three decades as a New York City special education teacher. He is also the founder of the Historic Brass Society, an international organization devoted to early brass music and historically informed performance, which he led for decades while producing scholarly journals, organizing conferences in the United States and Europe, and presenting performances at universities and cultural institutions.

Baum began playing jazz piano at age 13 and gravitated early toward improvisation and composition. He studied with teachers including Danny Mixon and Dan Kaufman. His music draws on jazz piano study, synagogue repertoire, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, blues, and swing. Many of the pieces are written for specific people and moments in his life, with titles he assigns immediately upon completing each composition. He arrives at sessions with completed works and a clear sense of form. He participates in New York State’s Self Direction program, which supports his adult life and musical work.

From My Shiny Imagination follows Baum’s earlier albums — The Compositions of Sam Baum with the Special Audiences and Musicians Jazz Ensemble (2022) and More Tunes by Sam Baum with the Special Audiences and Musicians Ensemble (2024) — and builds on years of live performances in concert halls, hospitals, senior centers, schools, and union venues. Those projects drew support and testimonials from musicians including George Coleman, Fred Hersch, Scott Robinson, Jimmy Owens, Ray Vega, and Amram.

The album takes its title from a four-movement suite of the same name that anchors the program. It opens with “Elba’s Rhythm Dance,” which Baum wrote for Elba, a longtime figure in his life who has belonged to Baum’s extended family since her teenage years and will serve as his guardian in the future. “Sam writes for people in his life,” Nussbaum says. “High Man Blues” follows as a straightforward 12-bar blues. “Juggling Through the Gym,” a jazz waltz, draws on Baum’s school years.

The four-movement suite From My Shiny Imagination comprises “Gleaming at the 70th Minute of the Gold Odlin,” “As Low As a Snake,” “Creeping Further Than a Golem,” and “March of the Chair Girl.” “Creeping Further Than a Golem” carries a pronounced klezmer inflection shaped in part by Block’s clarinet playing. Baum has also accompanied Shabbat services, and synagogue repertoire forms part of the musical vocabulary that surfaces in his writing.

“Dancing with the Calypso Noon Borrowers,” one of the album’s central pieces, builds around a calypso-inflected groove and features Amram on penny whistle. “That’s one of the main pieces on the record,” Nussbaum says. Baum wrote “Amber’s Elsadoor” for Amber, Elba’s daughter, after repeated requests; its title references the film Frozen, which Amber loved. The album closes with the rollicking “Gliding in the Sock Hole.”

Baum’s inimitable writing remains the throughline, shaped through repeated performance and professional practice. “There are a lot of younger players who are absolute virtuosos,” Nussbaum says. “But frankly, many of them sound very much alike. Sam really has his own voice.”

Track Listing

1.   Elba’s Rhythm Dance

2.   High Man Blues

3.   Juggling Through the Gym

4.   Gleaming at the 70th Minute of the Gold Odlin

5.   As Low As a Snake

6.   Creeping Further Than a Golem

7.   March of the Chair Girl

8.   Dancing with the Calypso Noon Borrowers

9.   Amber’s Elsadoor

10..Gliding in the Sock Hole

Performances 2026

June 18 - Autism Pride Day - Special Audiences and Musicians Ensemble, Bronx Music Hall, Bronx Music Heritage Center, Bronx, NY, special guests Bobby Sanabria and Dan Block, 4PM, free admission, open to the public,

ABOUT SAM BAUM

Sam began to play jazz piano in 2005 when he was 13, and immediately it was clear that jazz was Sam's language. Like many people on the autistic spectrum, Sam had never found the standard give and take of conversation easy or natural. Jazz improvisation, on the other hand, is where Sam is most clever, expressive, and naturally at home. Under the expert and caring guidance of his teachers, Trudy Silver, Danny Mixon, David Dormeus, Gary Dial, Dan Kaufman and Adam Rafferty, Sam has blossomed as a musician, becoming more and more skilled in the complex language of jazz improvisation and creating his own very expressive and personal style. Other notable musicians Sam has encountered on his short musical journey so far. Jimmy Owens, Reggie Workman,Robert Redd, John Jensen, Billy Taylor, Roni Ben-Hur, Jeff Warschauer, Gili Sharett, Tardo Hammer, Vinnie Martucci and Roswell Rudd, all of whom have all been helpful and deserve heartfelt thanks.

Since 2018 Sam has been actively engaged in performances with Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing performance opportunities for jazz musicians who have been under-represented in the professional music community; mainly musicians with disabilities, senior jazz musicians and female jazz musicians. Sam was the inspiration for the creation of this important organization. In January 2022 Special Audiences and Musicians released its debut album, “The Compositions of Sam Baum” The Special Audiences and Jazz Musicians Jazz Sextet performed 11 of his original tunes. Digital copies as well as physical CDs can be obtain from bandcamp as well as all the major streaming platforms. In addition to jazz, Sam has explored klezmer and other areas of popular music. We look forward to Sam's musical future.



ABOUT SPECIAL AUDIENCES FOR MUSICIANS (SAM)

Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. is a 501-C with a commitment to provide cultural enrichment by way of musical performances in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living homes, and other such institutions in New York and the Tri-State area, with musicians drawn from three under-represented groups; musicians with disabilities, senior musicians, and women. These three groups will occasionally be joined by other musicians. Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. will provide a much needed service with musical performances in such institutions including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living homes, and other related institutions. The therapeutic, social and emotional benefits from live musical performance are well established. Utilizing musicians with disabilities, female musicians and senior musicians will provide valuable performance opportunities to those under-represented musicians who have much to offer in terms of artistic expression.

Previous releases:

Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. is pleased to announce, “More Tunes by Sam Baum” is now available digitally HERE. The music in this recording of 12 of Sam's most recent original tunes spans a wide range of genres but all firmly in the jazz vocabulary. The SAM Sextet comprised of Sam Baum; piano, Noe Socha; guitar, Mimi Block; violin, Lev Garfein; violin, Tony Ventura; bass, and David Segal; drums, was supplemented by special guest artist saxophonist Dan Block. The album will soon be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major online platforms. CDs will be available through Bandcamp.

Review by jazz historian, Scott Yanow:

   In early-2022, the Special Audiences and Musicians Jazz Sextet recorded 11 originals by pianist Sam Baum for the album The Compositions of Sam Baum. Special Audiences and Musicians (SAM) was founded in 2017 with the goals of presenting jazz concerts at assisted living institutions, hospitals and nursing homes, and providing playing opportunities for musicians with disabilities in addition to senior musicians. They have succeeded at both dreams.

            With the success of the Compositions of Sam Baum, More Tunes by Sam Baum is the logical follow-up. Each of the members of the sextet have overcome major physical challenges to develop into promising musicians. The group consists of pianist Baum, Mimi Block and Levv Garfein on violins, guitarist Noe Socha, bassist Tony Ventura, and drummer David Segal. A very special guest for the group’s second album is Dan Block who has played alto sax, tenor and clarinet with major 1920s bands, swing groups, large orchestras, and his own combos during his productive career.

            Most of the selections on this set include lively piano, violin and guitar solos with occasional spots for bass and drums and a few appearances by Block. The music is joyful, sometimes picturesque, and contains its share of subtle surprises. To name a few highlights, “Queen Of Columbia” is a jazz waltz, “Building A Sand Castle At The Wedding Beach” is a driving minor-toned blues, and “Chuckling With The Boy Next Door” has several parts to each chorus including a country section that puts the focus on violin and guitar. “Riding In A Sleep Car At Night” features one of the strongest melodies of the set, “Taking Chickens On Their Farm Adventure” has a countryish melody that fits its title well, and Block and guitarist Socha engage in a fine tradeoff on “Gaining The Time Of The Big Party.”

            Obviously an organization such as SAM should be supported and they deserve congratulations for releasing their two jazz albums. More information can be found at www.specialaudiencesandmusicians.org.

 -Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian

Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc received NYSCA Grant

Special Audiences and Musicians was the recipient of a NYS Council on the Arts grant. This award will provide funding for concerts at venues for seniors, people with disabilities and others who have a limited ability to hear live music performances.

Upcoming Events

A Review by Jazz Historian Scott Yanow

“Special Audiences and Musicians Jazz Sextet - The Compositions Of Sam Baum.

            Special Audiences and Musicians (SAM) was created in 2017 with two purposes. It puts on jazz concerts at nursing homes, assisted living institutions, hospitals, and other institutions. And it provides playing opportunities for musicians from three under-represented groups: senior musicians, women and especially those with disabilities.

            The Special Audiences and Musicians Jazz Sextet on their debut recording performs 11 pieces by pianist Sam Baum. The group for the session consists of Baum (who is autistic), trumpeter Angeleisha Rodgers, saxophonist Itamar Shatz, Noe Socha (who is blind) on guitar and harmonica, the late Murray Wall on bass, and drummer David Segal (who has a muscular/neurological condition).

            While it is fair to say that none of the musicians are virtuosos, it is remarkable how well they do play at times. The 11 Baum pieces include two medium-tempo blues, several songs based on the chord changes of “I Got Rhythm,” a tune apiece that is similar in its chord structure to “Satin Doll” and “The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” (which here is called “Swimming In The Wide Blue Water”), a jazz waltz, and the best melody of the set “Seven Children.”  “Weekly Evening Park” has a particularly playful question and answer melody. Of the musicians, Sam Baum comes up with plenty of fresh ideas, Angeleisha Rodgers contributes an expressive scat-filled vocal on “Sam’s New York,” and guitarist Noe Socha is the best all-round soloist.

            SAM is a very worthy organization well worth supporting. More information can be found at www.specialaudiencesandmusicians.org.

- Scott Yanow, jazz journalist and historian”

This is the first major recording project that SAM has engaged in and is an important step in continuing our goal of supporting musicians from three under-represented groups; primarily musicians with disabilities and also senior jazz musicians and women (who are still under-represented in jazz). As many already know, the creation of Special Audiences and Musicians was inspired by Sam, a young adult on the autistic spectrum. His musical ability has been inspiring as has been the talent of the other musicians in the SAM circle.  Prejudice again people deemed “the other” has been a vexing problem forever. However, it must be said that in recent years progress has been made and the good work of Special Audiences and Musicians has contributed to that progress in its efforts at promoting artistic endeavors with an eye towards social justice. By providing opportunities for artistic expression for musicians like Sam Baum, other musicians with disabilities such Noe Socha, David Segal and others, as well as senior musicians and female jazz musicians. SAM helps to break down this long-held prejudices against “the other.” Autism and other disabilities can limit people in many ways but with music, personal expression can be limitless. Finding professional performance opportunities for these wonderful musicians continues to be main goal of SAM and I hope you can help support our efforts by buying the recording and also make a tax-deductible contribution. Contributions can be made HERE

Thanks for your support and enjoy the music

Jeff Nussbaum

Director, Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc.

Our Story

Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc (SAM) was created in 2017 in an effort to present concerts at nursing homes, assisted living institutions, community centers, hospitals and other such institutions. There is a large body of research that attests to the important therapeutic aid that live musical performance can have on individuals in such settings. SAM has as it's goal to present these performances using musicians drawn from a body of three under-represented groups; musicians with disabilities, senior musicians, and women. 

Testimonials

“Special Audiences and Musicians does what Odetta told me was our job in every genre of music

"Remember whatever genre of music you choose to express yourself….. music heals"

Special Audiences and Musicians is not only is a healing force for  musicians with disabilities.

It reminds all musicians and all lovers of every type of sincere music, coming  from the heart and built to last that 

we are all part of something spiritual and powerful that transcends fashion, commerce and egomania and brings us all together. And that music makes us HEALTHIER and reminds us of our shared humanity. Everyone can get involved with this organization and find a way to contribute. 

Keep up your great work"

- David Amram

"Creative music is for everyone, not just an elite few. Expanding access to the benefits of a creative life, for all people, is so important.

I salute Special Audiences and Musicians for their efforts in carrying on this life-changing work".

- Scott Robinson

The Need

Musical performance is not only one of the most enjoyable of all human activities it is long established to be emotionally uplifting and therapeutic, particularly among members of the senior community. While the positive affects of live music performance seem obvious to musicians playing in settings such as senior citizen programs, nursing homes and community centers, there has been a body of scholarly research done in recent years that bears out those assumptions scientifically. Among the many important scientific studies that show the therapeutic and emotional benefits from live musical performance, including improvisational performance are (Dileo 1999), (Kemper 2005), and (Longhi 2008).

Healing Arts Initiative , Inc. was the largest performance organization in the Metropolitan area providing musical performances in hospitals, nursing homes, senior programs and other such organizations. With the closure of Healing Arts Initiative in 2016 a large gap was created and Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. (SAM) has the goal of filling that gap. Additionally, SAM not only provides the important service of presenting musical performances but also provides performance opportunities for jazz musicians in three under-represented groups; musicians with disabilities, senior musicians and women. This approach makes SAM unique among all performance organizations in the metropolitan area.

Our Mission

The mission of Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. is to provide cultural enrichment by way of musical performances in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living homes, and other such institutions in New York and the Tri-State area, with musicians drawn from three under-represented groups; musicians with disabilities, senior musicians, and women. These three groups will occasionally be joined by other musicians. Special Audiences and Musicians, Inc. will provide a much needed service with musical performances in such institutions including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living homes, and other related institutions. The therapeutic, social and emotional benefits from live musical performance are well established. Utilizing musicians with disabilities, female musicians and senior musicians will provide valuable performance opportunities to those under-represented musicians who have much to offer in terms of artistic expression.