"Spectacular interpretations of legendary standards, dazzling arrangements of works by Lenon/McCartney, Sting, James Taylor and others... Brilliant!" The album "With You in Mind" reaches John Adams' broadest audience, as he delivers a dynamic new hybrid of pop and jazz standards, along with three stunning originals. A fertile, rhythmic structure is overlaid with inspired cameos, including Eric Marienthal's (recording artist, and formerly with Chick Corea) passionate saxophone, James King's soulful vocals, and Mitch Watkins' intricate guitar work. The contributions of Piper (studiowriter/producer) and McCurley (of Kirk Whalum, Joe McBride, Rick Braun, et.al.) are also prominently displayed. Adams' bass work here conveys melodies to powerful electric solos and rock-solid grooves. ___ Biography John Adams/Bass - As an accomplished acoustic and electric bassist, John Adams is one of the Southwest's most versatile and in-demand musicians. He holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas, where for ten years he was also the jazz bass instructor. He is also active as producer, arranger, composer, music contractor, and workshop clinician. Through his “Sessionbasstracks.com” website, John provides bass parts for recording clients ranging across the US, as well as internationally. He has backed and/or recorded for a wide array of artists including Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Herman, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, Joe McBride, Bobby Lyle, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, Dave Liebman, Phil Driscoll, Wayne Watson, and others. His broad musical background has also included symphonic and pit/show work. Through his Congruent Music label, Adams has released eight highly acclaimed and widely varied CD projects, including the stunning “John and Mark’s Excellent Rock Adventure,” (2012), and “Trios Two” (2013), sequel to the “Trios” CD (’06), which feature five different trio instrumentation combinations, each with a compelling rapport. Adams’ jazz CDs have received radio airplay on over 160 stations nationwide, and have been prominently featured on various online radio formats. His debut "Jump Shot" CD ('96) features New York and regional artists, and showcases John’s formidable writing skills. "Fly By Night" ('99) features an exceptional acoustic-jazz quartet in an intimate club setting, and the tasteful and sultry, "With You In Mind" CD ('01) showcases studio/jazz musicians from Dallas, Austin, and L.A. The “Live!" CD ('04) captures the intensity and variety of the group in concert performances. The “Thumbs Up,” CD (’09) is a state-of-the-art studio production with a fresh, contemporary sound, exciting originals and stunning arrangements of some surprising classics. ___ Band Biographies James Kings/Vocalist - James Kings is an accomplished vocalist and keyboardist, deeply-rooted in classical music, gospel, R & B, and jazz. His seemingly effortless vocals convey a beautiful mix of power and grace. James has accompanied nationally acclaimed gospel artists such as Andre Crouch, BeBe Winans, Thomas Whitfield, Lamar Campbell, Byron Cage, and others. He has also performed and toured with a host of Dallas-area jazz artists including Tom Braxton (whom he worked with alongside bassist John Adams), W.T. Greer, Martha Burks, Keith Anderson, Cindy Hortsman, and Joe Vincelli. James Kings made a notable "cameo" appearance on Adams' "With You In Mind" CD, with his soaring vocal on the tune "Nature Boy." Along with freelance vocal and keyboard work, including performing with the John Adams Group, James is currently the music director at Mount Hebron Baptist Church, Garland, TX. Eric Marienthal/Sax - Every once in a while (generally when he appears as a sideman), Eric Marienthal shows listeners that he can break away from playing crossover and is capable of being a creative improviser. He attended Berklee for two years, went on tour for seven months with Al Hirt, worked in the studios (including being on the staff at Disney), and then in 1986 he met Chick Corea. Soon, he was in Corea's Elektric Band and started recording his own dates for GRP. Eric Marienthal has also toured with David Benoit and Lee Ritenour in addition to recording with the GRP All-Star Big Band. In 1998, he relased Walk Tall, his tribute to Cannonball Adderley. Sean McCurley/Drums - As a member of the Kirk Whalum Band since 1994, Sean has played venues and festivals from worldwide, including numerous TV appearances. His talent also has supported the tours of other artists such as Lee Ann Rhimes, George Duke, Joe Sample, Jonathan Butler, Boney James, Philippe Saisse, Jeff Golub, Bobby Lyle, Bernard Wright, Peter White, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, and others. Sean's skill and versatility also frequently places him on jingle and commercial recording sessions, as well as backing a vast spectrum of local DFW-artists and composers such as Tom Faulkner, Anna Grey, Jim Hodges, Joe McBride, Tom Braxton, and Keith Anderson. McCurley is a Yamaha drums Artist/Endorser, and is gaining a national reputation for his technique, sensitivity, energy, and versatility. Brian Piper/Keyboards - Brian is one of the most sought-after studio/commercial writers and keyboardists in the southwest. First as a vice-president and writer for Axcess Broadcasting Inc., and now as owner of his own production company (BPM) he has written and recorded literally thousands of pieces of music for everything from jingles to films to albums. Illustrative of Piper's musical diversity is his long-standing position he held as pianist for country star Jerry Jeff Walker. Piper has played and conducted for a vast array of local and international artists and groups, including Rosemary Clooney, Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, Joel Grey, Kris Kristofferson, The Ink Spots, The Dallas Summer Musicals, and the Vocal Majority. He is also the assistant Music Director and arranger at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. Brian brings a wonderful combination of virtuosity, creativity, and musical integrity to every performance. Mitch Watkins/Guitar – Drawing from a staggering range of influences from Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix to the music of Bach and Stravinsky to jazz legends such as Wes Montgomery and Weather Report, Mitch has made his mark as one of Texas’ premier guitarists. He tours with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Paul Glasse, Leonard Cohen, and others. He is also active as an arranger/producer and studio guitarist. His solo-releases include "Underneath it All" (Enja-1989), "Curves" (Enja-1990), "Strings with Wings" (Enja-1992), and "Humhead" (Dos-1995), and a CD coproduced with Austin songwriter Bob Schneider "Underneath the Onion Trees" (Shockorama-2000).