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Ben Adams

Ben Adams has natural talent and a rare incisiveness that has enabled him to create a sublime sound on the vibraphone. He produces tones and rhythms on his instrument that range between such distinctive features as delicate sensitivity to passionate, explosive energy. With acute artistry and versatility, Ben demonstrates the subtleties of a variety of diverse musical genres. He has recently recorded an album as a bandleader that features his deeply illuminating jazz compositions.

Education

Born in 1976, it was at the age of five that Ben Adams began his musical explorations by playing the piano. Ben immediately showed great potential by revealing an intuitive creativity. He was given formal, private lessons on the piano to nurture his talent where he was taught the fundamentals of both classical music and traditional jazz. By nine years old, he was learning to play the drums and other percussion instruments. His musical education continued in school as well as privately. Before graduating high school, Ben had achieved recognition for his singularity by receiving the "Kansas State Outstanding Percussion Award" four years consecutively (1990-1994) and also performing at the Kansas City Jazz Festival in 1993. Ben has an insatiable desire to advance his knowledge of music and consequently received a scholarship to study percussion at the University of Missouri, Kansas City?Conservatory of Music. It was during the time spent in Kansas City that Ben changed his emphasis from the drum set to the vibraphone, which has become his most personal instrument for deep expression. As well as studying at the Conservatory, Ben spent his evenings performing professionally at local venues. In the fall of 1996, Ben transferred to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where the eminent vibraphonist Gary Burton is a faculty member, with a scholarship to pursue his jazz studies on the vibraphone. At Berklee, Ben studied privately with Grammy winning vibraphonist Dave Samuels (former member of Spyro Gyra), Victor Mendoza, Ed Saindon, Hal Crook and Dave Friedman.

Performance Highlights

Ben Adams has demonstrated his musical abilities on the vibraphone on stage with many respected musicians. An example of his professional performances as an instrumental sideman has been with Louis Bellson, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bruno Raberg, Steve Houghton, Steve Smith (formerly with the rock band Journey), Danny Gottlieb (former drummer for the Pat Metheny Group), and Bob Brookmeyer. As a leader of his own quartet, he has opened for such artists as Medeski, Martin, and Wood.

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239
Album Review

Ben Adams Quintet: Old Thoughts For A New Day

Read "Old Thoughts For A New Day" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


The vibraphone is not often a lead instrument, but Ben Adams brings it up front on this quintet outing featuring an erudite set of tunes that he wrote. The music breathes through several harmonic patterns, which makes it interesting all the way. The musicians contribute to make the experience all the more absorbing, maintaining focus and employing an impeccable sense of time and swing.

Adams chooses to open with “Avery's Bedtime Song, a lovely tune that floats gently ...

171
Album Review

Ben Adams Quintet: Old Thoughts for a New Day

Read "Old Thoughts for a New Day" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


It's difficult to describe an ensemble that's built around a vibraphone without using words like “glowing" or “luminous." Thanks to the mallet prowess of Steve Nelson, Dave Holland's bands, big and small, have those shining qualities. And so does Ben Adams' quintet on Old Thoughts for a New Day.Adams and his group shape their sound without the input of a more traditional chording instrument (piano or guitar). This set walks a line between traditional and modern with an ...

130
Album Review

Ben Adams Sextet: Music for Six (Music of Todd Brindley Hershberger)

Read "Music for Six (Music of Todd Brindley Hershberger)" reviewed by Mark F. Turner


The art of effective music composition should combine the vision and execution of the composer and artist, with some regard for the listening audience. Ben Adams Sextet's Music for Six features some beautiful and complex compositions by modern composer Todd Brindley Hershberger. Hershberger and Adams, both longtime friends and colleagues from Kansas, collaborated to create a project that successfully blends jazz and chamber music.

To give a little insight into the dual influences, consider this:

Adams is a talented vibraphonist ...

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Performance / Tour

Ben Adams Quintet Upcoming Appearances

Ben Adams Quintet Upcoming Appearances

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Ben Adams Is Pleased To Announce His Upcoming Appearances In Support of His New CD Old Thoughts for a New Day (Lunar Module Records)

8/19/06 Ben Adams Quintet 9:30pm-1:00 Cafe Van Kleef 1621 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA

Ben Adams -vibraphone Erik Jekabson-trumpet, flugelhorn Bryan McVicker-tenor saxophone Aaron Cohn-bass Andre Sumelius-drums

10/05/06 Ben Adams Quintet 8:00pm & 10:00pm Jazz ...

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