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Adam Cruz

An undeniable creative force on the international jazz scene for the last two decades, drummer and composer Adam Cruz is best known for his work with Danilo Perez, Steve Wilson, David Sanchez and Edward Simon. Born in New York City in 1970, Cruz worked extensively with saxophonist David Sanchez and the Mingus Big Band during the 1990’s. He then toured briefly with Chick Corea, recording Origin - A Week at the Blue Note, and spent the end of the decade touring in a duo setting with guitarist Charlie Hunter. In recent years Cruz has forged a steady musical relationship with pianist Danilo Perez and is a member of the Danilo Perez Trio, which also features bassist Ben Street. His teachers have included his father - percussionist Ray Cruz, Frank Malabe, Keith Copeland and Kenny Washington. He has also worked at various times with artists such as Tom Harrell, Chris Potter, Pharaoh Sanders, Paquito D’Rivera and many more. Cruz’s remarkable musicianship makes him one of the most in demand drummers of today. He is featured on over 40 recordings as a sideman.

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5
Album Review

Glenn Zottola & Chick Corea: The Legend & I

Read "The Legend & I" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello


With his untimely passing in February 2021, accolades emanated worldwide from musicians, critics and fans about multi-Grammy winner Chick Corea. What was less known then is the fact that Corea and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Glen Zottola were not only longtime close pals, but frequently interacted musically. The Legend & I is an artistic culmination of that friendship and professional relationship. And, as might be expected from artists of this caliber, the result is spectacular. The album offers a ...

4
Album Review

Glenn Zottola & Chick Corea: The Legend & I

Read "The Legend & I" reviewed by Edward Blanco


There have been several musical tributes to the late great Armando Anthony “Chick" Corea since his untimely passing in February, 2021, mostly from fellow musicians. However, The Legend and I is an intimate musical portrait from LA multi-instrumentalist Glenn Zottola who just happened to be one of Corea's best long-time personal friends. As Zottola affirms “He was my best friend and is dearly missed, but I know he will continue to create as that was his relentless purpose in life." ...

2
Album Review

Edward Simon: 25 Years

Read "25 Years" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi


Al pubblico del jazz non piacciono molto le compilations ma questa del pianista Edward Simon è speciale. I diciassette brani del doppio CD sono stati scelti da lui--come bilancio e riflessione personale nel 25° anno della sua attività da leader--e forniscono una variopinta retrospettiva delle sue tappe musicali. «L'idea mi è venuta l'anno scorso (2019) quando ho compito 50 anni--ha detto al Columbia Daily Tribune--La raccolta è nata da uno spirito di celebrazione e dalla consapevolezza di quante cose siano ...

11
Album Review

Edward Simon: 25 Years

Read "25 Years" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Pianist Edward Simon immigrated to the United States from his native Venezuela while still in his teens. He stayed, and carved out a successful career in music. His fiftieth birthday rolled around, and the artist decided it was time to take a look and listen back. In a musical journey that spans the titular 25 Years, Simon has crafted a lot of music, employing a Latin/jazz/classical approach with a seemingly effortless refinement, making sounds that are unfailingly engaging and beautiful. ...

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Interview

Adam Cruz: Making Some Room

Read "Adam Cruz: Making Some Room" reviewed by R.J. DeLuke


Playing drums with some of the finest musicians around, touring the globe with them, and teaching music can be a lot on the plate of a person fortunate enough--and talented enough--to find themselves in that situation. In fact, that's a solid career.But for Adam Cruz--a much sought-after drummer on the New York City scene when he's not touring with Danilo Pérez or David Sánchez and doing other projects of that ilk--there was always more. Composing and pursuing his ...

129
Album Review

Adam Cruz: Milestone

Read "Milestone" reviewed by William Carey


Inevitably, with the release of any recording done under a drummer's leadership, there is discussion over whether it is a drummer's record or not--understandable in that drummers are the great unsung heroes of most recordings and it is always exciting to have the opportunity to “give the drummer some," in the words of the great Maceo Parker. What this means however, is far from clear. Is it that the drummer has written the tunes or takes a lot of solo ...

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44

Radio

The Jazz Session #260: Adam Cruz

The Jazz Session #260: Adam Cruz

Source: AAJ Staff


176

Recording

Adam Cruz - Milestone (Sunnyside, 2011)

Adam Cruz - Milestone (Sunnyside, 2011)

Source: Music and More by Tim Niland

After a two-decade career as an in-demand sideman as a drummer and percussionist, Adam Cruz, decided to make a record as a leader, recruiting a strong team including Miguel Zenon on alto saxophone, Steve Wilson on soprano saxophone, Chris Potter on tenor saxophone, Steve Cardenas on guitar, Edward Simon on acoustic and electric piano, and Ben Street on bass. This is a lengthy album that covers a variety of moods, beginning with “Secret Life" that opens with drums and piano, ...

One of the most respected young musicians in New York, [Cruz is] profoundly locked in, shifting easily from straight-ahead swing to funk patterns and Latin rhythms. —The New York Times

Drummer Adam Cruz pairs flawless technique and a crystalline touch with a level of prophetic intuition that is awe-inspiring —Modern Drummer

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Femininas

ArtistShare
2023

buy

The Legend & I

Self Produced
2022

buy

25 Years

Ridgeway Records
2020

buy

Moving Picture

HighNote Records
2017

buy

Milestone

Sunnyside Records
2012

buy

La Flor de la Canela

From: Femininas
By Adam Cruz

Emje

From: Milestone
By Adam Cruz

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