BOOKING INFO

This page is for talent buyers to get as much information
as possiblewith regards to booking Adam at your
Music Festival, Jazz Club, Concert Series
“Standing strong in the field of “Jazz”… Adam Smale is one of the serious devotees…
an exciting new voice on the scene…

take notice!" - Pat Martino

Click Here For Press Photos, Stage Plots, Bio, etc.

 

BACKGROUND:

In the classic tradition of the jazz masters, guitarist/composer Adam Smale tells stories with his music. His “pen” is a personally designed 7-string guitar, wielded with both virtuosity and creativity. His tales are woven from his rich imagination stoked by a wide variety of musical influences. For more than three-quarters of Adam’s life, from the age of twelve, he has been a working musician.

Adam Smale is an exciting performer who loves to be center stage presenting his own original music as on his releases, Out of the Blue, and Fun City. Mr. Smale is also a versatile artist who can present in the following formats:

 

TYRAMID (TRIO)

TYRAMID, derived from a combination of the two words “trio” and “pyramid” (more accurately a tetrahedron), is the best way to illustrate the synergy that is created with this group. [pullquote]“Adam Smale is a consummate guitar stylist that is bridging the gap between respecting the past and observing jazz and improvisational music’s present and future.” – Jazz Inside[/pullquote]

pyramid

Billed as Adam Smale’s TYRAMID, this is one of Adam’s favorite formats. Each person has equal say in the musical conversation, equally sparking creativity, the ultimate “democracy.” Meanwhile, traveling ever upward, converging together, ultimately creating a palpable, intriguing, experience: A sort of musical “mind-meld” between the musicians.

Don’t be fooled. Even though this instrumentation is sparse, it is an exciting top level Jazz group. A unit which the audience can easily be taken on a sonic journey together with the band. First formed in 2017 in New York City, Adam has continued to perform in this format the most regularly.

The group is heavily influenced by post-bop era jazz, but with a slight modern-contemporary twist. The group performs a mix of original compositions and jazz standards. The TYRAMID lineup includes Adam Smale (guit), Peter Brendler (bass), and Evan Hyde (drums).

  • Adam’s unique playing techniques allows Adam to be his own
    accompanist; something that is somewhat rare in most jazz
    guitarists
  • Appeared in the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival (1997 & 2008)
  • Most often a performance of Jazz Standards. From Latinesque
    flavors, to Bebop classics, to modernBebop influenced original
    compositions

[pullquote]“Seven-string guitar dynamo…from first note to last.”
– Jack Goodstein, Blogcritics.org[/pullquote]

This Group would be appropriate for:

Music Festivals, Jazz Clubs, Concert Series, House Concerts, Intimate Settings, Guitar Workshops, Fingerstyle Guitar Clinics, Masterclasses

ADAM SMALE QUARTET

The Adam Smale Quartet is an exciting, high energy, tour de force! This group can explode out of the gate yet also play exquisitely soft and tender. Adam’s compositions vary from mild and wild, each one sounding very unique, infused with emotion. This makes for a very impactful performance.

[pullquote]“Adam and his group was fantastic. Our patrons loved hearing the stories behind his songs, meeting and talking to him in person…professional and such great music. We would definitely have Adam back!”

– Mary & Stephen Merriman,

Merrimans’ Playhouse[/pullquote]

ME, MYSELF & THEM (DUO)

Who needs drums? An even more stripped down side to Adam is performing as a Duo, with a bassist. Very fitting for guitar-centric venues, Guitar Associations, Fingerstyle Guitar Groups, Guitar Festivals, etc.

In this setting Adam can stretch out and not only perform Jazz, but can venture into Chet Atkins and Lenny Breau territory, as well as a few Flamenco pieces

  • Perfect choice for small intimate crowds
  • Because of his unique playing techniques, Adam can be his own accompanist
  • This fingerstyle approach is fully demonstrated in the Solo and Duo formats

Listen to a recording of “There Will Never Be Another You” (by H. Warren) to get a feel for Adam’s piano-like, self-accompaniment style, in a duo format:

(Adam – guitar, Artie Roth – bass)

MORE VIDEOS

[pullquote]
“Adam Smale’s sound blends excellently with the style of our concert series…with crisp interpretations of 
classics and original compositions. His skills are impressive and his interaction with our audience…is fun and inviting for all.” – Bryan Johnson, Music in the Park Coordinator, Brooklyn, NY [/pullquote]

[pullquote]“The guy’s amazingly

nimble-fingered…commands attention…”

– Acousticmusic.com[/pullquote]

MASTERCLASSES

Adam loves to pass on his knowledge with students of all levels. Adam has conducted Masterclasses, Workshops, Clinics at Western Michigan University, Laurentian University, Algoma University, Western Illinois University, Humber College, and Case’s Music.

 

Sound Science Method For Guitarists & Bassists:
How to Develop Awesome Sounding Improvised Lines

This Master Class was specifically developed for guitarists and bassists. As a former university music student myself, I know that often, guitarists and bassists are not taught the same information on how to build lines and melodies as other instruments such as piano or saxophone.

The material will also benefit vocalists and all other instrumentalists who are interested in improving their jazz improvisation techniques. This “how-to” methodology is specific, accessible and will heighten the students understanding, capability and ease of crafting exciting improvisational performances.

This Master Class helps stringed instrument players understand the science of constructing improvised lines. The goal is to help guitarists and bassists make outstanding solo note choices as well as enhance their musical interactions during improvisational moments with other group members.

I will teach the students what makes certain notes more important than others. Then they will learn how and where to place those important notes so that through practice, the student will begin creating awesome sounding improvised lines.

Handouts as well as examples from my book, New Approach to Scales are included.

Three-Day Residency
Day 1: The residency opens with an Adam Smale group performance for the entire student body and faculty. A desirable performance time where members of the community (parents, relatives, townspeople) may also attend, will be determined. 
Suggestion: An evening performance or during a regularly occurring series.

Day 2: The Sound Science Method Group Teaching Master Class 

Two-Two-Hour group classes where students are invited on stage for individual instruction/demonstration in front of the group. We work through a song they already know well so that the whole group can watch, listen, and learn The Sound Science Method. Multiple students will have an opportunity to participate in the individual instruction/demonstration. There will be time for students to practice the Sound Science Method.

Day 3: Private Lessons with Individual Students
Students sign up or are assigned to private lessons by faculty members. Guitarists and bassists would work with Adam in a one-on-one instructional setting to dive more deeply into the Sound Science Method and master the method in relation to the student’s individual playing level.

Although this is directed mostly for guitarists and bassists, these one-on-one lessons can be done with any instrument. Members of my trio will also teach private lessons during this time. My bassist could help teach these techniques or broaden it to other topics. The drummer could coach drummers on crafting solos or how to perform in a trio setting.

[pullquote]“Having worked with Adam when I was a Professor at Western Illinois University, Adam was a guest artist. I can safely say that Adam is an energetic, engaging, and educational clinician who has the student’s best interest at heart when working in one-on-one or group settings.”

– Dr. Matthew Warnock[/pullquote]

Two-Day Residency
Day 1: The residency opens with an Adam Smale Trio performance for the entire student body and faculty. A desirable performance time where members of the community (parents, relatives, townspeople) may also attend, will be determined. 
Suggestion: An evening performance or during a regularly occurring series

Day 2: The Sound Science Method Group Teaching Master Class 

Two-Two-Hour group classes where students are invited on stage for individual instruction/demonstration in front of the group. We work through a song they already know well so that the whole group can watch, listen, and learn The Sound Science Method. Multiple students will have an opportunity to participate in the individual instruction/demonstration. There will be time for students to practice the Sound Science Method.

One-Day Residency
A three- hour group class where students are invited on stage for individual instruction/demonstration in front of the group. We work through a song they already know well so that the whole group can watch, listen, and learn The Sound Science Method. Multiple students will have an opportunity to participate in the individual instruction/demonstration. There will be time for students to practice the Sound Science Method.

The residency closes with an Adam Smale Trio performance for the entire student body and faculty.

These Masterclasses can be tailored for:

Music Festivals, Universities and Colleges, Performance based High Schools, Music Stores, etc.

Important Contacts

RECORD LABEL

Any inquiries with regards to distribution, or press, contact:

Louis Marks
louis@ropeadope.com

MEDIA PROMOTION

Jazz Promo Services
jim@jazzpromoservices.com

+1 (845) 986-1677

RADIO PROMOTION

Kate Smith Promotions
Kate Smith

+1 (814) 482-0010