Born: March 10, 1979 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Award-winning jazz composer and saxophonist Kurtis Adams found his passion for music at an early age while raiding his parents’ eclectic music collection. As a member of the jazz scenes in Denver, Atlanta, and points in between, he has been privileged to share the stage with great musicians including Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, Conrad Herwig, Bob Mintzer, Tom Harrell, Greg Gisbert, Pat Bianchi, Brad Goode, John Gunther, and Chip Stephens. His compositions have received high praise including an award for Best Original Composition from Downbeat Magazine. He can be heard on Seabreeze Records as a member of the Mike Pagan Big Band as well as on various small group recordings including his first release as a leader, Two Weeks From Tuesday, and newest release, Collage. As an educator, Dr. Adams has served on the faculties of Gordon College and Boise State University and is currently Director of Jazz Studies at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. For more information, visit www.kurtisadams.com.
Awards:
Downbeat Magazine Student Music Award - Best Original Composition - 2005Collage
InstableMusic
2013
Tracks: Blue Fox; Etude op 25 n2; The Invincible Man; Arrhythmia; 3 Degrees; Peacocking; Odd Hours; Bye Starlight
Personnel: Kurtis Adams, saxophone; Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis, piano; Blake Meister, bass; Andrew Hare, drums
Two Weeks From Tuesday
InstableMusic
2009
Tracks: Weeble; Chief Crazy Horse; El Cerrito; Unreal City; Mystery Meat; Two Weeks From Tuesday.
Personnel: Kurtis Adams: saxophone; Eric Wiggs: guitar; Brian Dean: keyboards; Josh Moore: drums.
As A Side Musician
Ballad of the West
Kevin Woods
SpooM Music
2007
Tracks: Black Nile; All the Things You Are; Down Fell Autumn; Easy Trigger; Ballad of the West; Bright Colors, Small Shapes; Lament for Madeline; Terra Firma.
Personnel: Kevin Woods: trumpet; Kurtis Adams: saxophones; Pat Bianchi: Hammond B3 Organ; Paul Romaine: drums.
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Frederick, MD
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Dr. Adams is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Shepherd University in the beautiful Eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He has also served on the faculties of Boise State University and Gordon College. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Colorado as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from Tennessee Technological University.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Jazz clinics on topics including theory/improvisation, style, section playing, and history.
Saxophone clinics on any topic you like!
