Michael Hashim is an American multi-saxophonist dedicated to keeping the traditions of swing and bop alive, with his career commencing in his hometown of Geneva, New York.
Hashim began playing the saxophone in elementary school and, as a high schooler, started working with Phil Flanigan and Chris Flory, whom he would continue to work with into the mid-1970s.
His early career included significant stints with blues and jazz greats, touring with Muddy Waters in 1976 and later with Clarence Gatemouth Brown in 1980, while also becoming a long-time member and eventual leader of the Widespread Depression Orchestra (later the Widespread Jazz Orchestra) from 1976 to 1992.
Establishing his own quartet in 1979, which has featured notable sidemen like Dennis Irwin, Kenny Washington, and Mike LeDonne, Hashim’s discography includes albums such as Peacocks (1983) and Lotus Blossom (1990), which was an album of Billy Strayhorn songs later expanded into an 11-member Billy Strayhorn Orchestra in 1998.
Recognized for his deep knowledge of early jazz styles, his sound has been noted for owing allegiance to swing masters like Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter, but also to later players such as Charlie Parker and Sonny Criss.
As a committed jazz ambassador, Hashim was a member of the first official government-sponsored jazz group to play in China since 1949 during a Judy Carmichael tour in 1992, and he has remained a fixture in the New York jazz scene.
You can learn more about his performance style and work with his quartet from this video:
The Swing 46 Jazz & Supper Club, dedicated to preserve the golden age of American music and dance, founded in May 1997 by John Akhtar, who fell in love with the music while frequenting the spot, took over the establishment with a clear mission: to resurrect the vibrant atmosphere of a 1940s vintage supper club, a culture that once thrived on New York’s famous “Swing Street” on 52nd Street.
Swing 46 quickly became the epicenter of the Neo-Swing resurgence, regularly featuring renowned big bands like the George Gee Orchestra, who has being playing at the club for the past 28 years.
Swing 46 hosted legendary dancers such as Frankie Manning, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, thereby ensuring that the uniquely American tradition of the Big Band Era continued to thrive in the heart of the theater district.
Last day of Swing 46 will be on New Years eve 2025. Spike Wilner and his partners, that owns Smalls and Mezzrow, bought Swing 46, that will be renovated for 3 months and will continue to play Jazz for the years to come.
Catch Michael Hashim at the Swing 46:
Tuesdays 5:30 to 8:30PM
Sundays 9:00 to Midnight Michael Hashim plays with the George Gee Orchestra
Swing 46
349 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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