A distinctly singular voice on his instrument, Schwager's playing reflects a thorough understanding of the entire history of the genre, from the pre-swing through the free jazz movements (Schwager spent time studying with pianist Cecil Taylor.)

Considered a child prodigy, Schwager was already performing in Canada with vibraphonist Peter Appleyard in his mid-teens. His reputation led to performances with Pepper Adams, Jon Hendricks, Hank Jones, Junior Mance, Jimmy McGriff, Zoot Sims, George F. Benson, J.R. Monterose, Chet Baker, Dave Young, Rob McConnell, and Oliver Jones, as well as a long-term tenure in George Shearing's working group. Schwager also holds the guitar chair in the Toronto-based Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, to which he is a regular contributor of compositions and arrangements. ~ Dan Cross