ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS
December 2022
adam larson
Adam Larson (b. 1990) is an American saxophonist, composer and author. An endorsed artist for P. Mauriat saxophones, The Boston Sax Shop and Key Leaves, Adam began playing saxophone at the age of 11. Described by critic Howard Reich of The Chicago-Tribune as “a player for whom the word ‘prodigious’ was coined”, by Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen as “a saxophonist who brings Donny McCaslin and Mark Turner to mind”, and by Nate Chinen of The New York Times as “the sort of jazz musician who gets flagged early on as a promising talent and then hustles to meet every requirement for success”, Larson has garnered numerous awards that distinguish him as one of the most promising artists of his generation. Upon graduating from high school in 2008, Adam moved to New York City to pursue his BM and MM in Jazz Performance on full-scholarship from The Manhattan School, finishing his studies in 2014.
Larson has released seven albums; two for Outside In, one for Ropeadope Records, two under the Inner Circle Music label and two produced independently. Larson’s most recent record “With Love, From Chicago”, received a rare 4.5 Star rating from Downbeat Magazine and was featured in JazzTimes Magazine, among other national media outlets.
Larson keeps an active schedule with his own groups and as a sideman, having performed at several venues across the U.S. including The Green Mill, The Jazz Standard, Birdland, The 55 Bar, The Jazz Gallery, The Blue Note, The Village Vanguard, Smalls, Jazz at The Bistro, The Jazz Estate, The Jazz Showcase, Dazzle, Noce, The Jewell and several others.
Music has allowed Adam to see more of the world than he once thought possible, having toured Poland, India,Taiwan, Holland, and Germany as well much of the United States. Larson’s Trio received a South Arts “Jazz Road Touring Grant” in 2022 and In 2015 Larson’s quartet was selected as one of ten ensembles to tour on behalf of the U.S. State Department's "American Music Abroad" program and toured Africa for 35 days visiting The Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin and Ghana.
Beyond maintaining an active touring and recording schedule, Larson continues to be a sought after clinician and masterclass presenter and has been a guest at more than seventy-five Universities across the world. Appearances include visits to HKU Conservatory-Utrecht, Temple University, Yale, Manhattan School of Music, and University of North Texas among many others. Larson is currently on faculty at UMKC Conservatory where he teaches classes in the Arts Entrepreneurship program and previously taught jazz saxophone, music business and pedagogy. In addition to his duties at UMKC, Larson has a diverse private lesson studio of online students from the U.S. and abroad.
Adam has authored 12 jazz etude books that have been sold in over 45 countries and States. He has created and released a successful online masterclass dedicated exclusively to developing great technique, called “Lightning-Fast and Crystal- Clean”. He maintains an impressive portfolio of commissioned ensemble writing for school jazz ensembles, having written more than thirty original works to date. Adam was commissioned by the Illinois Music Educators Association to compose the All-State composition for the 2020 convention, where he directed the Honors Jazz Band. Larson has also directed the South Dakota All-State Jazz Combo.
With a vested interest in giving back, Larson has also worked in various capacities with organizations that showcase exceptional young talent in the United States. Adam has served as a mentor for the Grammy Foundation and as an adjudicator for the Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and YoungArts organization. Serving in the role of creative director of the YoungArts New York regional show, Larson has presented multiple genre-bending, interdisciplinary performances held at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. Larson currently resides in Kansas City with his beautiful wife, Tierney and sons Jack and Clark.
peter schlamb
Peter Schlamb is Adjunct Instructor of of Jazz Vibes, Rhythm Section Lab and Jazz Improv, and a vibraphonist and pianist based in Kansas City, MO. He recently released his second album Electric Tinks and maintains a busy schedule performing locally, nationally and internationally. Peter spent several years in New York City where he graduated from The New School. Peter is an active member of several ensembles including Logan Richardson’s Blues People, Matt Villinger’s All Night Trio, and the Marcus Lewis Quintet in addition to leading his own group Electric Tinks
go go ray
Go-Go Ray started studying drums at age 9 until age 23.
He’s been drumming for 40 years (32 years pro).
He could be seen in Kansas City's R&B/Funk/Soul scene (1998-2006).
He has toured nationally with Billy Goat (1994-1997), Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle (2006-2011) and Samantha Fish (2011-2016). He has also worked with Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big/Racer X), George Lynch (Dokken/Lynch Mob), Cameo, Sister Hazel, Anthony Gomes, Casi Joy (The Voice Season 12) and Lakeshore Records recording artist John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons.
He’s currently drumming for the Paul Nelson Band (www.paulnelsonguitar.com).
He has been teaching for 20 years.
He won the first ever Roland V-Drums USA Competition in Las Vegas, NV (04-Nov-10).
The following discography showcases Go-Go Ray's best work:
Tech N9ne – Strangeulation (Strange Music Records) 2014
Joh Velghe & the Prodigal Sons - Don't Let Me Stay (Lakeshore Records) 2012
Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle - Rock Star Bench Press (Hyena Records) 2009
Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle - Battery Milk (Hyena Records) 2007
Billy Goat - Black And White (Mercy Records) 1994