Jazz Articles about Ben Adams

Ben Adams Quintet: Old Thoughts For A New Day

by Jerry D'Souza
August 13, 2006

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 ...

Ben Adams Quintet: Old Thoughts for a New Day

by Dan McClenaghan
June 11, 2006

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 ...

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

by Mark F. Turner
June 3, 2002

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 ...