Adam Larson

STATS Rank: 5,034 Views: 4,395

Born: January 6, 1990 Primary Instrument: Saxophone

Originally from Normal, IL, 22 year-old saxophonist-composer Adam Larson, endorsed artist for P. Mauriat saxophone, Rico Reeds and Bari mouthpieces, began playing saxophone at the age of 11. Described by critic Howard Reich of The Chicago-Tribune as “a player for whom the word ‘prodigious’ was coined”, and by Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen as “a saxophonist who brings Donny McCaslin and Mark Turner to mind”, Larson has garnered numerous awards that showcase his abilities as a performer and composer. Upon completion of his Bachelors degree at The Manhattan School of Music in May of 2008, Larson was selected as a member of the inaugural Manhattan School of Music Jazz Institute, to continue his studies as a Master’s student.

As the leader of his own quintet, Larson recently recorded his debut album “Simple Beauty”, which is set for release January 16, 2013. Larson keeps an active schedule with his quintet having performed at several New York City venues including The Jazz Gallery, The Blue Note, Smalls, Cornelia St. Café, The Kitano, JALC, and several others. In addition to his work as a leader, Adam can be seen as a sideman with several groups such as the Michael Rodriguez Quintet and the Nils Weinhold Quintet. Larson has had the privilege to record on many records including Nils Weinhold’s Shapes, drummer Bastian Weinhold’s River Styx, and trombonist Marcus Lewis’ Facing East, to name a few. Adam will record his second album as leader in January featuring Rodney Green and Jay Anderson among others.

With a love for traveling, Adam has been a part of several tours that have allowed him to see more of the world he once thought possible. As an artist for P. Mauriat, Larson toured Taiwan this past summer; playing shows, hosting master classes and providing input on product testing. His involvement with the Nils Weinhold Quintet has taken him to Germany several times and as a member of various other groups, Adam has performed at major jazz festivals including North Sea, Monterey, Iowa City, and Telluride.

Beyond maintaining an active touring and recording schedule, Larson continues to be a sought after clinician and master class presenter at several high schools and Universities across the Midwest and beyond. Adam also does a sizeable amount of commissioned ensemble writing for school jazz ensembles, having written 15 original works to date. Larson is currently a faculty member for Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Alliance teaching program and has a strong passion for giving back through the art of teaching.

Adam currently studies with John Riley and Rich Perry on full-scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music. In his free time, Adam enjoys writing for Downbeat and Hot House Magazines, and is an avid Chicago Bulls fan.

For more information, please visit www.adamlarsonjazz.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2013

”...a player for whom the word “prodigious” was coined.”- Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

“…There’s no shortage of advanced, fresh playing on River Styx, the debut disc from the German-born, New York-based drummer Bastian Weinhold. He’s joined by tenor saxophonist Adam Larson, who brings Donny McCaslin and Mark Turner to mind…Speaking of Larson, he contributes an original, Space, to River Styx, and that go-get-’em track provides the CD with its catchiest, most tuneful moments…” – Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen

“…Weinhold is supported harmonically by pianist Fabian Almazan and finds an indispensable accomplice in saxophonist Adam Larson, who shares intricate, chopsbusting unison lines with the guitarist on “The Almost Too Loud One,” “Forgotten Plains” and “Dragonfly…”- Bill Mikowski, JazzTimes

“…Larson shows a lot of fire with a powerful solo on the high octane ”Kungafuh.” It pairs nicely with his later statement on the brief, pastoral “Last Line,” where he milks the song's complex rhythms and deceptively simple sound with delicate runs amidst perfectly chosen spaces…”- Warren Allen, All About Jazz

“...an up-and-coming young artist who, despite his age, has already begun to establish an impressive and varied career. He not only has achieved a respected and powerful presence in the jazz community, but is also comfortable as an educator, clinician, and writer. We are thrilled to have Adam Larson on our roster of esteemed artists...”-Rico Reeds

“...without a doubt one of the most standout young performers I have ever known...”- P.Mauriat Instruments

“...a name that will be known in the jazz world. He has everything plus so much more..”- Jim Cavanaugh; President; Bari Woodwinds

“..he has blossomed into one of the most gifted young artists in the country..”- Dr. Ron McCurdy, USC Thornton School of Music

Primary Instrument:
Saxophone

Location:
New York, NY

Willing to teach:
Beginners

Credentials/Background:
Adam Larson Saxophonist/Woodwind Specialist Teaching Resume New York, New York www.adamlarsonjazz.com adam@adamlarsonjazz.com (309) 533 2135 2012 • Clinician; Various schools in Germany • Saxophone Instructor; Afro Latin Jazz Alliance at Bronx School for Writers, Bronx, NY • Teaching Assistant; Birch Creek Summer Jazz Camp Session I; July 2011 • Master Classes in Taipei, Taiwan as an Endorsed Artist for P. Mauriat Saxophones • Private Instructor through Musika Organization; New York, New York • Private studio; ages 10-55; all ability levels • Lessons via Skype • Clinician at Quincy High School; Quincy, IL • Clinician at PM Woodwind; Evanston, IL 2011 • Teaching Assistant; Birch Creek Summer Jazz Camp Session I; July 2011 • Faculty; Illinois State University Jr. High Band Camp; July 2011 • Private Studio; New York, NY ages 16-46 • Private Studio; Illinois; ages 12-50 • Substitute teacher for MSM Outreach Program; Clarinet/Flute 2010 • MSM Outreach Program-Flute Instructor; The Storefront School, New York, New York; ages 8-9; grades 3-4 • Resident Advisor: 2011 National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts YoungArts Week, Miami, FL; Carla Hill, Supervisor • Private Studio; Bloomington-Normal, IL; Ages 10-55; all ability levels; saxophone instruction; jazz/classical/popular • Clinician/Guest Artist: Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove, IL; Brayer Teague, Director • Clinician: Bradley Bourbannais High School, Kankakee, IL; Bill Dyche, Director • Clinician: Parkside Jr. High School, Bloomington, IL; Jennifer Bolton; Director 2009 • Private Studio; Bloomington-Normal, IL; Ages 10-55; all ability levels; saxophone instruction; jazz/classical/popular • Clinician: University High School, Normal, IL; Jason Landes, Director • Clinician: Lincoln Jr. High School, Lincoln, IL; Peggy Larson, Director • Clinician: Normal Community High School, Normal, IL; Joshua Masterman, Director • Guest Artist: Birch Creek Summer Music Camp; Egg Harbor, WI • Guest Artist: Unit 5 Summer Music Camp, Normal, IL; Becky Meadows, Supervisor 2008 • Private Studio; Bloomington-Normal, IL; Ages 10-55; all ability levels; saxophone instruction; jazz/classical/popular • Director of Jazz Ensemble II; Normal Community High School, Normal, IL; grades 9-12 Other Qualifications: • 7 years of teaching experience; all ages and levels • Studied 2 years of Spanish during High School

P. Mauriat Saxophones Rico Reeds Bari Mouthpieces

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