Biography of Adam Roberts
Multi-instrumentalist, Adam Roberts is both a versatile musician and educator. Though he considers tenor saxophone his primary instrument, he has performed and recorded on saxophones, guitars, flutes, and clarinets in a wide variety of genres including jazz (both mainstream and contemporary), rock, funk, classical and pop.
In addition to playing in his own groups, Analog Planet (a groove oriented, high-power trio) and Wicked Children (a jazz group that plays Adam's arrangements of Radiohead works), Adam Roberts has had the priviledge of performing in the world premiere of Gunther Schuller's Encounters, with the Downbeat Award-winning NEC Jazz Orchestra at the IAJE Festival in 2004, with jazz legend George Russell on a performance of The African Game, and with Joe Lovano playing nonet arrangements from his 52nd Street Themes and On This Day at the Vangaurd recordings.
Adam has received 3 degrees in music, including a Bachelor's of Arts in Music Performance and in Music Education (awarded in 2001) as well as a Master's of Music: Saxophone Performance with Distinction in Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music (awarded in 2005). He has studied with a wide array of teachers including Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Bob Brookmeyer, Danilo Perez, and Joel DiBartolo among others.
Adam is very active and inspired by composition, which has led to the writing of works including original jazz, funk and rock songs as well as arrangements of jazz standards and Radiohead songs. He is also a highly skilled copyist with an extensive knowledge of Finale. See some of his work in the 7th volvume of Jerry Bergonzi's celebrated Inside Improvisation series, entitled "Hexatonics".
Adam's teaching background includes more than 7 years of private instruction, 4 years of developing and running multiple elementary band programs in the Glendale Elementary School District in Arizona, and coaching extra-curricular jazz ensembles at both the K-12 and college levels. Adam is currently teaching multiple Jazz and Rock History classes along with the classical saxophone studio at Glendale Community College, and he conducts the Band program at the Arizona School for the Arts, a Blue Ribbon Arts Charter School in downtown Phoenix.
Quotes
Adam Roberts is one of the most gifted and successful improvisers I have had the privilege to coach at the New England Conservatory. He is already of high professional caliber and promises to grow and evolve into an important and singular voice in our music.
Bob Brookmeyer
You've got it. It's just a matter of time before you'll be playing with everyone.
George Garzone
Adam Roberts is part of the new breed of Tenor players. The way he constructs his lines and his use of rhythms is truly exciting and full of life and energy. He is all over the saxophone in his improvisations, which fits his musical personality. His compositions are an extension to his improvising and they make you pay attention. He is a must listen.
Jerry Bergonzi
Adam sight-reads better than Finale!
Josiah Woodson