Rich Adams received his B.M. in jazz composition from Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz arranging and composition with Phil Wilson and Michael Gibbs. He also holds a M.A. in composition from Middle Tennessee State University, and has studied privately with jazz drummers John Ramsay and Bob Gulloti.

As a drummer, Adams has been a leader of his own jazz groups and a sideman with numerous jazz artists including vibist, Ludwig/Musser endorser Jerry Tachoir. His groups have performed at such notable clubs as Ryles and The Willow in Boston, as well as the Bitter End in New York city. His Nashville based jazz group, Sudden Exchange, performances include a live radio broadcast/concert on WUOT from the Knoxville Museum of Art.

Adams works include compositions and arrangements for big band, jazz combo, string quartet, chamber orchestra, percussion ensemble, as well as electronic pieces and film scores. His string quartet, Journey of The Soul , was performed with the Vanderbilt University Modern Dance Group at the Langford Auditorium. Other credits include scoring music for the Epiphany Dance Company¹s performance of The Horse and His Boy, which premiered at The Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. This past year, Adams completed scores for two documentary films, and an independent film which premiered at the Bellcourt Theater in Nashville.

Highlights of Adams commercial music credits include sessions for Capitol Records recording artist, Jennifer Hanson, as well as concert dates for rock & roll legends Shirley Reeves and the Shirelles. His performances also includes concerts at Nashville¹s Ryman Auditorium and international tours with country artist Ronnie Prophett, were he opened for recording artists Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Wynnona Judd, Neal McCoy and Merle Haggard.

Listen to Rich Adams in streaming audio

1. Breezy Samba composed and performed by Rich Adams, drums with Chris Mueller, piano and William Kinney, bass.

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