Hailing from Sydney, but currently residing in the city that never sleeps – New York City, multi-instrumentalist Adrian Cunningham is one of the most charismatic personalities in Australian jazz today. Having just released three albums to date, Adrian is well and truly making his mark on the Australian jazz scene as both a musician and composer.
Originally starting his musical career on piano at the age of 16, Adrian is better know for his ability to swap seamlessly between alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet and flute. As well as playing all over the country with his own band (The Adrian Cunningham Quartet), Adrian has also risen to be one of the most in demand freelance musicians in the country having played with numerous ensembles and celebrity artists from across the musical spectrum.
Adrian’s obvious musical talent is also prominent in his song writing. His ability to paint a picture or capture the energy of a moment with his melody writing is one that isn’t found very often. As well as playing standards, Adrian is featuring increasingly more of his own beautifully crafted original works and is gaining well deserved recognition. His songs have twice been featured on the In Flight program on Qantas domestic and international flights as well as gaining significant air play on radio stations around the country.
Adrian has toured extensively with his own quartet, and in 2007 launched his third album around the country to rave reviews. Overseas Adrian has also played at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a special guest as well as other countries in Europe, Asia, North America and even Africa.
In 2005 Adrian was nominated for two MO awards: Jazz Instrumentalist of the year and Best Jazz Group. He has also been a member of two prominent jazz groups: the famous Galapagos Duck and the Sydney All Star Big Band.
The start of 2008 saw the launch of a new CD, this time teaming up with fellow Sydney woodwind specialist Graham Jesse for an album of contemporary jazz duets with jazz trio.
A couple of months later and Adrian was packing his bags for his next adventure – the big apple. His farewell concert went down in spectacular fashion with the Basement in Sydney packed out on a Tuesday night!
Currently Adrian resides in New York City and is working with renowned drummer George Coleman Jr., New York institution Sweet Georgia brown, and regularly perfoms in Downtown Manhattan, and Harlem.
For More Info, visit www.adriancunningham.com or email
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