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Adrian Norton

I began my musical journey by playing the trumpet in Elementary and Jr. High School. By the seventh grade I switched over to the Tuba, due to the fact that everyone else played the trumpet and there was a need for someone to play the Tuba. That is where I started and learned to love the foundation of the bass and how very important it was to music in general. I started playing the electric bass when I was 14 years old. I continued my musical journey at Suitland Sr. High School and at Prince Georges Community College. I am also one of the founding fathers of the popular 80’s Go-Go band Ayre Rayde. We played in and around the Washington, DC area for about 10 years. That is where I learned the essence of funk and the importance of locking in the groove with the drummer. I am also a managing partner and the bass guitarist for Phaze II, a six piece contemporary jazz band. Phaze II has been performing together in and around the Washington, DC area for about 15 years. Phaze II was also chosen the winners of the 2005 Capital Jazz Challenge Competition. This competition was held at the 13th Annual Capital Jazz Festival in Columbia, MD. This is one of the largest contemporary jazz festivals in the world. m also the bassist at Victory Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA and St. Matthews Baptist Church in Washington, DC. In 2008 I also had the honor of playing for Pope Benedict. This was for a Mass held at Nationals Stadium with the Archdioceses Gospel Mass Choir. I have also had the privilege of performing and or recording with such artist as; Regina Belle, El DeBarge, Meli'sa Morgan, Frank McComb, CeCe Peniston, Paul Taylor, Cindy Bradley, Ayre Rayde, Phaze II, The Men for Christ, Keith Killgo, Lori Jenaire, BK Jackson, Althea Rene, Lin Roundtree, Marcus Anderson the late Ricky Wellman and Sam Smith along with countless others. I would like to thank my loving parents Elbert & Mary Norton for all of your love and support. A very special thank you to my queen Ramona for being my number one fan! But most of all I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the privilege and the ability to make the beautiful sound of music!

Awards

2005 Capital Jazz Challenge Winner 2014 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammie) Fan Favorite


Tags

Jaco Pastorius
bass, electric
Victor Bailey
bass, electric

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Just Groovin'

Phaze II Publishing
2023

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No Cover Charge

Self Produced
2019

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Live In Anaheim

Self Produced
2013

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Live N Uncut

Self Produced
2010

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Backtalk

Self Producted
2004

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Options

Self Produced
2000

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In The Pocket

From: No Cover Charge
By Adrian Norton

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