Thursday, June 4, 2003
         ATLANTIC JAZZ FESTIVAL - HALIFAX JULY 18-27/03
 

Bucky Adams and the Botos Brothers

Casino Nova Scotia Concert Series, Tuesday, July 22, 9:00 pm

"....there are so few musicians that can play this way....gather them from all over  North America and you could pick 'em up at the airport in a minivan...."

Charles R. "Bucky" Adams was born into a large musical family on Maynard Street in Halifax in 1937.  At an early age, Bucky picked up the trumpet in order to play alongside his father on the saxophone.  At age 11, Bucky had the distinction of playing for the Queen during a royal visit to Halifax.  In the years that followed, Bucky played his trumpet with such intensity that it just blew apart during one of his frequent performances at the Gerrish Street Hall.  Determined that the show must go on, Bucky ran home between sets and borrowed his father's saxophone, returning just in time to step back on stage.  This twist of fate resulted in Bucky embarking on a lifelong love affair with the tenor sax.

From the '50s through to the '80s, Adams formed several successful bands, including "The Rockin' Rebels," "Club Unusual," "the Basin St. Trio" (with whom he made his first recording) and "Generations," comprised of young players on the cutting edge of the Halifax music scene.  Adams has had the opportunity to share music with jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Count Basie and Oscar Peterson.  In 1981, Adams was featured on the CBC Radio Halifax program Identities, for which he was awarded the International Gabriel Award by the United Nations, representing the highest honour in broadcasting production and content.

During the '90s, Adams' career has taken on a renewed energy and direction.  Since 1991, he has volunteered for weekly performances with the Seniors' Band at Northwood Manor in Halifax and since 1993 has performed with the prestigious Nova Scotia Mass Choir, with whom he has participated on two recordings.  Adams has also remained very active at East Coast concerts and Jazz Festivals, which wouldn't be complete without his smooth, rich performances.

In 1996, Adams produced his own CD, In a Lovin' Way, an autobiographical collection on which he wrote or co-wrote all but one song.  The Album received rave reviews upon its release in 1997 and was nominated for two East Coast Music Awards.

Adams has also been able to reactivate his longstanding commitment to mentoring youth.  With the sponsorship of the Musicians' Performance Trust Fund, he has so far visited 50 elementary, junior and senior high schools in the Halifax area playing and providing music history education to more than 12,000 students.  In August 1998, Adams had the honour of playing for civil rights pioneer Dr. Rosa Parks and 120 of her "Pathways to Freedom" students from across North America when Dr. Parks was in Halifax to receive an honourary doctorate from Mount Saint Vincent University.

In November 1998, Adams was presented with the Pioneer Award from the African Nova Scotia Music Association.  On new Year's Eve 1998, Adams premiered his newest group effort, the "Bucky Adams Cotton Club Swing Band," at the Lord Nelson Hotel as part of Halifax's "Big Event" New Year's Celebration.

Adams' innovative approach to timeless classics and knack for original composition along with hsi command of music styles including Swing, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Easy Listening and Inspriation, has expanded his audience to include a wide range of age groups and tastes.  His upcoming CD, aptly entitled Fresh Daily, is a collection of high energy live performances which showcases Bucky's incredible talent and versatility.

Discography:
1997 In a Lovin' Way
 2001 Live at the Thirsty Duck (w/Corey Adams)