Adam Cohen - Bassist/Composer
In a city where excellence and versatility are the benchmarks for any working bassist worth the gear in his gig bag, Adam Cohen has carved out a healthy piece of the pie. On any given night in Los Angeles, Adam can be found on stage lending his solid and creative support to an array of artists covering a broad range of stylistic demands. His sensitive accompaniment and lyrical soloing has, in addition to making him a favorite among many artists and composers, put him in the spotlight as leader of his own band.
Indeed, Adam’s prowess on both the acoustic and 6-string electric bass has led him to sharing stage & studio with the likes of Ernie Watts, Ray Charles, John Klemmer, Maxine Nightingale, Gregg Karukas, Tim Weisberg, Connie Stevens, Grant Geissman, and, most recently, Engelbert Humperdinck‘s 2005 world tour and concert DVD. As a recording artist, his playing and composing is showcased on his two solo albums – 1994’s Gig Bag and his brand new release, Ritual.
Born in Queens, New York, Adam’s introduction to music began at age 5 in the form of piano lessons given by his father. It is at the piano where the foundation of his musicianship lies. At age 14, his attraction to the sound of the bass as both a supportive and melodic instrument led him to private study with classical bassist Frank Blake. In addition to his lessons on the acoustic bass, Adam began honing his electric bass chops by emulating the styles of Verdine White, Paul McCartney, Peter Cetera, Stanley Clarke and Francis “Rocco†Prestia.
While still in high school, Adam got the position as bassist for the local college jazz ensemble. This led to an increasing interest in jazz music and the early development of a solo voice on the bass. The next several years brought numerous experiences and challenges to Adam; bassist with the L.A. City College Jazz Band, road work, club gigs and further study with Bunny Brunel, John Novello, Jeff Berlin, and Gary Willis. Regarding his melodic approach, Adam says, “I’ve always sought to emulate the lyricism and phrasing of horn-players, pianists and guitarists. At the same time, I don’t want to ignore the inherent qualities and responsibilities of my chosen instrument.â€
After many years working as a sideman, Cohen developed an interest in writing his own music. Finally, those piano lessons would come in handy! In the early 90’s, Adam would begin an ongoing series of “jam sessions†with some of L.A.’s best musicians which led to the formation of his own group. Here was an opportunity to “road test†his music with his new band which included saxophonist Tom Buckner, pianist John Opferkuch, guitarist Jimmy Mahlis and drummer Bob Harsen.
In the summer of ‘94, Adam recorded his first album Gig Bag. His solo debut, a collection of nine tunes all written and arranged by Cohen, went on to receive excellent reviews in the L.A. Jazz Scene and the online music journal Jazz World. His new album, Ritual, is the culmination of several years of growth and experience. With a new level of depth and personal expression, Cohen’s new record is sure to have something for everyone as the bassist and his compositions explore straight-ahead jazz, fusion, samba, ballads, and world music.
Armed with an ever-expanding body of work, Adam Cohen continues to play and seek out gigs as a leader & sideman while striving to grow as a bassist, composer, soloist…musician.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.adamcohenmusic.netTrack List:
1. Naked in LA
2. The Road Home
3. Outer Circle
4. The Gray Zone
5. Brazilian Nights
6. While You Were Gone
7. Murphy's Law
8. Purple Moon
9. What It Is
10. Ritual
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