Live!

I enjoy finding surprising ways to arrange classic songs like these: a Brazilian-samba version of 'Fly Me to the Moon,' a reggae treatment for 'Summertime,' and 'Come Together' as a hip-hop/funk tune. It is such a thrill to see ideas take shape through the talents and skills of my fellow musicians. A wonderful recording that captures my five-piece group in two concert settings, and reflects the spontaneity, creativity, collaboration, and the "go-for-it" attitude of a live performance. Happy listening and welcome to the show! - John Adams ___ Biography John Adams/Bass - As an accomplished acoustic and electric bassist, John Adams is one of the Southwest's most versatile and in-demand musicians. He holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas, where for ten years he was also the jazz bass instructor. He is also active as producer, arranger, composer, music contractor, and workshop clinician. Through his “Sessionbasstracks.com” website, John provides bass parts for recording clients ranging across the US, as well as internationally. He has backed and/or recorded for a wide array of artists including Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Herman, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, Joe McBride, Bobby Lyle, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, Dave Liebman, Phil Driscoll, Wayne Watson, and others. His broad musical background has also included symphonic and pit/show work. Through his Congruent Music label, Adams has released eight highly acclaimed and widely varied CD projects, including the stunning “John and Mark’s Excellent Rock Adventure,” (2012), and “Trios Two” (2013), sequel to the “Trios” CD (’06), which feature five different trio instrumentation combinations, each with a compelling rapport. Adams’ jazz CDs have received radio airplay on over 160 stations nationwide, and have been prominently featured on various online radio formats. His debut "Jump Shot" CD ('96) features New York and regional artists, and showcases John’s formidable writing skills. "Fly By Night" ('99) features an exceptional acoustic-jazz quartet in an intimate club setting, and the tasteful and sultry, "With You In Mind" CD ('01) showcases studio/jazz musicians from Dallas, Austin, and L.A. The “Live!" CD ('04) captures the intensity and variety of the group in concert performances. The “Thumbs Up,” CD (’09) is a state-of-the-art studio production with a fresh, contemporary sound, exciting originals and stunning arrangements of some surprising classics. ___ Band Biographies Jason Bucklin/Guitar - Jason Bucklin's rare and powerful blend of expressiveness, virtuosity and passion in an extremely wide range of styles has made it’s mark on the Dallas music scene for over 25 years. He has performed with groups of many genres including Bill Tillman, Eric Tagg, Cafe Noir, and jazz artists such as Joe McBride, James Clay, Marchel Ivery, and Shelley Carroll. He is also one of Dallas' most recorded guitarists, appearing on hundreds of regional and national commercials, and independent CD-releases. Jason Bucklin is equally at home on electric or acoustic guitars, as well as the electric bass, and has performed regularly with numerous pop-cover bands and country-music artists. He currently maintains a large studio of private guitar students in Garland, TX. SEAN McCURLEY/Drums - As a member of the Kirk Whalum Band since 1994, Sean has played venues and festivals from worldwide, including numerous TV appearances. His talent also has supported the tours of other artists such as Lee Ann Rhimes, George Duke, Joe Sample, Jonathan Butler, Boney James, Philippe Saisse, Jeff Golub, Bobby Lyle, Bernard Wright, Peter White, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, and others. Sean's skill and versatility also frequently places him on jingle and commercial recording sessions, as well as backing a vast spectrum of local DFW-artists and composers such as Tom Faulkner, Anna Grey, Jim Hodges, Joe McBride, Tom Braxton, and Keith Anderson. McCurley is a Yamaha drums Artist/Endorser, and is gaining a national reputation for his technique, sensitivity, energy, and versatility. BRIAN PIPER/Keyboards - Brian is one of the most sought-after studio/commercial writers and keyboardists in the southwest. First as a vice-president and writer for Axcess Broadcasting Inc., and now as owner of his own production company (BPM) he has written and recorded literally thousands of pieces of music for everything from jingles to films to albums. Illustrative of Piper's musical diversity is his long-standing position he held as pianist for country star Jerry Jeff Walker. Piper has played and conducted for a vast array of local and international artists and groups, including Rosemary Clooney, Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, Joel Grey, Kris Kristofferson, The Ink Spots, The Dallas Summer Musicals, and the Vocal Majority. He is also the assistant Music Director and arranger at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. Brian brings a wonderful combination of virtuosity, creativity, and musical integrity to every performance.