Adam Names

NYC-based saxophonist/composer Adam Niewood was born into musical pedigree with a jazz saxophonist father and classical pianist mother. The composer of the tunes recorded here is Adam's father, Gerry Niewood who rose to his fame in the 70s and had achieved a successful career until his untimely death 10 years ago. Adam with his dream rhythm section dedicates this album to his father.

In the philosophical tradition of Taoism, “Chi” is the word used to describe the animating force of the universe, the breath of life that permeates all existence. A natural phenomenon, when channeled it can provide a spark to ignite seemingly supernatural powers. In their first meeting as a trio, saxophone great and NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman and virtuoso percussionists Adam Rudolph and Hamid Drake tap into that spiritual force to create Chi, a transcendent collaboration deeply possessed of fresh inspiration and deep roots, ancient traditions and modern invention.

The Big Book of Rock & Roll Names tells the behind-the-scenes stories of how the world's most popular and influential rock and pop acts got their names. By turns fascinating, funny, and bizarre, the pages offer insight into the peculiar choices and idiosyncratic psychologies of hundreds of top musicians from the 1960s to the present. Originally published more than two decades ago to great success, it's been out of print for years and has now been completely updated and expanded to feature dozens of exclusive interviews including conversations with groups like The Black Keys, The Killers, Twenty One Pilots, Coldplay, Cage the Elephant, and Vampire Weekend.