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Jazz Articles about Adam Birnbaum
Uptown Jazz Tentet: What's Next
by Edward Blanco
New York-based trombonist Willie Applewhite birthed the idea of forming a new big band comprised of friends, and in 2016 The Uptown Jazz Tentet was established, co-led by trumpeter Brandon Lee and trombonist James Burton III. After playing to live audiences for several years, What's Next is the group's debut recording, and what an outing it is. Grounded in the traditions of the Billy Strayhorn, Gill Evans, Duke Ellington big bands and others, as large ensembles go, these ten players ...
Continue ReadingAl Foster: Inspirations and Dedications
by Peter J. Hoetjes
On paper Al Foster's resume as a supporting artist reads better than most other jazz drummers. He's recorded albums with Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Frank Morgan, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner}, and a comeback-era {Miles Davis, among a plethora of others. Chances are, those who aren't familiar with his name have heard him somewhere, and for the first time since 2002, they can hear him on Inspirations And Dedications as a band leader. As its title suggests, the album ...
Continue ReadingAdam Birnbaum: Three of a Mind
by Karl Ackermann
Pianist/composer Adam Birnbaum has performed in the company of diverse leaders such as traditionalist trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, the edgier saxophonist Greg Osby and the eclectic composer/conductor Darcy James Argue and his Secret Society. On one hand Birnbaum is a change agent having utilized three different rhythm sections in as many outings as a trio leader. He also demonstrates a strong conviction for retaining a musical style rooted in fundamentals. On Three of a Mind he is joined by veteran drummer ...
Continue ReadingAdam Birnbaum: Travels
by Christopher Shoe
Travels is the long awaited debut album for one of the younger voices in jazz piano. The term debut, however, is ill suited for someone like Adam Birnbaum, who has spent his short career opening for, and performing with, some of the better-known names in the industry such as saxophonist Greg Osby and pianist Brad Mehldau. As a result, the music presented in this album reflects a well thought-out, technically proficient, and quite simply, talented pianist who is at the ...
Continue ReadingAdam Birnbaum: Travels
by Marcia Hillman
Pianist Adam Birnbaum gets around a lot, both geographically and musically--touring West Africa, for example, as part of the Rhythm Road program. Here however, he and his traveling companions--Sharel Cassity (alto and soprano saxophone), Joe Sanders (bass) and Rodney Green (drums)--take a musical journey through material mostly composed by the pianist. Birnbaum's credentials are impressive. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music's Preparatory School, graduated from Juilliard's Jazz Studies inaugural class and has won numerous ...
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