John Adams Live! CD

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___BiographyAs an accomplished acoustic and electric bassist, John Adams is one of the Southwest's most versatile and in-demand jazz, pop and studio musicians. He currently leads various performing groups. John served as Music Director and performed weekly for three-and-a-half years at Dallas' prestigious Crescent Court Hotel. Adams holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas, where for ten years he was the jazz bass professor. He is also active as a producer/arranger, a composer, clinician, and an instructional author. John toured extensively with jazz great Woody Herman and others. He has backed vocalists Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Wayne Watson, and Sandi Patti, and jazz artists such as Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, Bill Mays, Carl Fontana, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, and Dave Liebman. His broad musical background has also included extensive orchestral, pop, and show work. Adams' debut CD, "Jump Shot," ('96) features New York and regional artists, and showcases his formidable writing skills. "Fly By Night" ('99) features members of John's exceptional acoustic-jazz quartet in an intimate club setting, and the compelling, "With You In Mind" CD ('01) was released nationwide, and features top musicians from Dallas, Austin, and L.A. "The John Adams Group - Live!" ('04) captures the intensity and variety of John's group in concert. “Trios,” (’06) features five different combinations of jazz trios covering a broad spectrum of styles and striking arrangements of standards. It received airplay on over 160 stations nationwide. The latest release, “Thumbs Up,”(’09) is a full-fledged studio production with a fresh, contemporary sound, strong rhythms, rich harmonies, exciting originals and stunning arrangements of some surprising classics. ___Band BiographiesJason 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