In a city where excellence and versatility are the benchmarks for any working bassist worth the gear in his gig bag, Adam Cohen has carved out a healthy piece of the pie. On any given night in Los Angeles, Adam can be found on stage lending his solid and creative support to an array of artists covering a broad range of stylistic demands. His sensitive accompaniment and lyrical soloing has, in addition to making him a favorite among many artists and composers, put him in the spotlight as leader of his own band.
Indeed, Adam’s prowess on both the acoustic and 6-string electric bass has found him sharing stage & studio with the likes of Ernie Watts, Ray Charles, John Klemmer, Maxine Nightingale, Phil Upchurch, Gregg Karukas, The Ron King Big Band, Mark Isham, Connie Stevens, The New York Voices, Grant Geissman, and Engelbert Humperdinck. As a recording artist, his playing and composing is showcased on his two albums - 1994’s “Gig Bag” and his brand new release, “Ritual”.
Born in Queens, New York, Adam’s introduction to music began at age 5 in the form of piano lessons given by his father. It is at the piano where the foundation of his musicianship lies. At age 14, his attraction to the sound of the bass as both a supportive and melodic instrument led him to private study with classical bassist Frank Blake. In addition to his lessons on the acoustic bass, Adam began honing his electric bass chops by emulating the styles of Verdine White, Paul McCartney, Peter Cetera, Stanley Clarke and Francis “Rocco” Prestia.
After many years working as a sideman, Cohen developed an interest in writing his own music. Finally, those piano lessons would come in handy! In the early 90’s, Adam would begin an ongoing series of “jam sessions” with some of L.A.’s best musicians which led to the formation of his own group. Here was an opportunity to “road test” his music with his new band which included saxophonist Tom Buckner, pianist John Opferkuch, guitarist Jimmy Mahlis and drummer Bob Harsen.
In the summer of ‘94, Adam recorded his first album Gig Bag. His solo debut, a collection of nine tunes all written and arranged by Cohen, went on to receive excellent reviews in the L.A. Jazz Scene and the online music journal Jazz World. His new album, Ritual, is the culmination of several years of growth and experience. With a new level of depth and personal expression, Cohen’s new record is sure to have something for everyone as the bassist and his compositions explore straight-ahead jazz, fusion, samba, ballads, and world music.
“It is a pleasure both as a jazz fan and as a jazz writer to personally discover a great talent.” --Jonathan Barg (L.A. Jazz Scene)
[ 
