Adam Niewood © Andrea Canter

Last year, New York-based saxman Adam Niewood brought his “Rabble Rousers” into the Twin Cities for gigs at the Artists’ Quarter and Nomad World Pub. With guitarist Jesse Lewis and local stars Adam Linz and J.T. Bates, Niewood returns to Minnesota, as the featured act at the Clown Lounge at the Turf Club (August 20^th) and at the Artists Quarter (August 23^rd), both in St. Paul.

A native of New Jersey, Niewood got an early start in music as the son of multi-reedist Gerry Niewood and classical pianist Gurly Niewood. As a six-year-old, Adam rode along with his dad on tours with Simon & Garfunkel and Liza Minnelli. As a fourth grader, Adam began clarinet lessons, but moved to the alto sax and, in high school, picked up the tenor after listening to his dad’s recordings of Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, John Coltrane and more. “As a junior in high school, I got the great opportunity to play 2nd tenor in a Big band including: Lew Soloff, Don Menza, my father Gerry, Steve Gadd, etc. under the direction of Chuck Mangione, for a short tour,” recalled Adam. “That was all I needed to convince me that I wanted to go to music school, and play all the saxophones professionally."

To further his jazz education, Niewood studied at Berklee College of Music and received his degree from William Paterson College. He taught saxophone and jazz history for three years at Montclair State University before enrolling in the new jazz studies program at Julliard; due to his busy teaching schedule, he only attended one year. He soon dropped his teaching duties and received a scholarship to the Master’s program at the Manhattan School of Music, where he graduated in 2005.

Adam soon met Bill Goodwin who became a mentor as well as cohort, playing with Bill Charlap, Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, Warren Vache, Vic Juris, Steve Gilmore, Gene Bertoncini, and others “in numerous configurations…All situations I wouldn’t have found myself in, if not for Bill. He is a fabulous musician and I’ve learned a lot about playing music from him." Adam released is first recording with the collective SBW for Native Language in 2003, then Goodwin produced a recording that paired Adam with his father Gerry (Facets, 2004). Also in 2004, Goodwin produced Adam’s first recording as leader, Introducing Adam Niewood, with Eric Lewis on piano, Matt Brewer on bass, and Ben Perowsky on drums. Noted acclaimed saxophonist David Liebman, “Obviously it doesn't hurt to have great lineage as Adam does through his dad, but he stands on his own in this debut recording with a great assortment of styles and moods. As well there is some wonderful saxophone playing that is already quite mature, most especially on soprano."

Adam Linz © Andrea Canter

Joining Adam Niewood in the Twin Cities are three of the finest “rabble rousing” jazzmen around: Longtime pal, bassist/composer Adam Linz plays with a variety of cutting edge groups in the area, including Fat Kid Wednesdays and FKG, and also doubles on turntables with the electronic hip hop group, Suki Takahashi. One of the busiest musicians during the Minnesota Sur Seine Festival, Linz has recently appeared with French pianist François Tusques and has been involved as an instructor with the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth jazz bands.

JT Bates © Andera Canter

New Orleans-based guitarist Jesse Lewis arrived in the Crescent City from his native Boston in 1996 and enrolled in Loyola University's music program, where he studied guitar with Jon Eubanks. After two years he moved on to the University of New Orleans, where he studied with Steve Masakowski. Lewis also immersed himself in the club scene with a regular gig at Funky Butt, “focusing on studying trad jazz and bebop. He released Jesse Lewis Union in 2002.

Hear the Adam Niewood ensemble at the Clown Lounge of the Turf Club (1610 University Av, St. Paul) on August 10^th, two sets, www.clownlounge.com. The group comes downtown to the Artists Quarter (408 St. Peter Street) on August 23^rd, sets begin at 9 pm; www.artistsquarter.com. More about Adam Niewood at www.niewood.com