Press

	NEWS	BIO	PERFORMANCES	LISTEN	PRESS	CONTACT
	ADAM BIRNBAUM PIANIST, COMPOSER

"Accomplished young pianist-composer and Greg Osby sideman Adam Birnbaum showcases his stellar originals with bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Rodney Green, including the frenetic "Jackhammer," the off-kilter, Monk-ish "Three for One" and the poignant waltz "Kate the Great," underscored by Green's supple brushwork. The drummer's hip, loose approach is highlighted on Birnbaum's soulful "House Party Starting." Green is turned loose on the aptly named "Urgency" and also on his own swinging "Camden," which features guest soprano saxophonist Sharel Cassity."

"Birnbaum's interpretation of Herbie Nichols's "House Party Starting" reveals a pianist with a sure touch, malleable phrasing, and an elaborate melodic conception. His notes are clearly struck and precisely enunciated, his improvisations devoid of clutter."

"On album opener, "Jackhammer", Birnbaum uses a repeating dissonant piano riff, which is pure hip-hop sampling fodder, to convey the frenetic energy of New York City. The song's piano solos, which billow playfully in and out of consonance, evoke Bill Evans' work on the legendary Sunday at the Village Vanguard recordings. "Kat's Dance", too, anchors itself with a repeating, off-kilter piano riff that slides excitedly up a half-step before easing back down. In Herbie Nichols fashion, the song's melody merges with the harmony so naturally that it's hard to discern one from the other, giving the music a pastoral quality reminiscent of a new-wave movie soundtrack..."

"...His solos treat the silence between notes like it's as important as the notes themselves."

Popmatters.com

"He has an ability to play in different styles-as in the bop-oriented "Three For One" and "Band Call," the lightly swinging "House Party Starting" or the haunting minor ballad adaptation of Robert Schumann's "Hor Ich Das Liedchen Klingen." But most notable is his reflective, less-is-more rendition of the standard "The Very Thought of You."

"…He strikes a delicate balance between refined restraint and swinging freedom as he creates lines with a genuine singing quality."

". . .Birnbaum's touch and harmonic ideas are reminiscent of another multi-genre maestro, Keith Jarrett. "

"...Adam Birnbaum's playing was beautiful...Birnbaum is an insightful and delicate pianist who can most definitely swing. "

"…APA Cole Porter Fellow winner Adam Birnbaum completely captivated the crowd with his set. He offered a sterling set with tunes from Miles Davis to Birnbaum's moving solo of Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." Noteworthy was Birnbaum's original swinging waltz "Kate The Great" with an attractive light melody, written for his dog."

"…The Porter song brought out Birnbaum's ability to judge climaxes nicely. He has an exciting way of varying rhythms and an imaginative harmonic sense."

"…APA's Cole Porter Fellow Adam Birnbaum Trio played an outstanding set. This was a more mature and extroverted Birnbaum than two years ago, at the keyboard of a pricey Fazioli piano. The trio dispatched a varied, balanced set of standards and originals with a sensitive grasp of structure."

"…Earlier on the same stage, the Adam Birnbaum Trio was similarly posed the problem of keeping an audience's attention in threatening weather conditions. This accessible group had no trouble doing so. Though his renown is modest in comparison with Hancock's, Birnbaum has had a loyal local following since he won the Cole Porter Fellowship of the sponsoring American Pianists Association in 2004. He peppered his varied set with a few flavorful originals."

"...Adam Birnbaum, the 2004 Cole Porter Fellow of the fest-producing American Pianists Association, provided both the balm and the authentic jazz chops of the evening in an unaccompanied mini-set just before [Buddy] Guy came on. The pianist assembled a charming, intricate sampler of his artistry with a couple of standards (Alec Wilder and Cole Porter), one original by himself and one by his new boss, Greg Osby, and a characteristic piece each by Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington."