Aubrey Wellington Adams (17 June 1920 – 6 August 1990) was a Jamaican pianist and keyboard player who was one of the top bandleaders in Jamaica in the 1950s, and led the Dewdroppers as well as playing with Clue J & His Blues Blasters.
Aubrey Adams | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Aubrey Wellington Adams |
| Born | 17 June 1920[1] Crossroads, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica |
| Origin | Jamaica |
| Died | 6 August 1990 (aged 70)[1] University of the West Indies, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica |
| Genres | Jazz, ska |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, bandleader |
| Instrument(s) | Piano, organ |
| Years active | 1950s–1960s |
| Formerly of | Clue J & His Blues Blasters |
Biography
editAdams was active in the pre-ska era of Jamaican music when he led a band that had a residency at the Courtleigh Manor Hotel, that included tenor saxophonist Tommy McCook among others.[2] He also played in Sonny Bradshaw's jazz band.[3] He continued to perform in the ska era of the early 1960s, when he played piano for Clue J and His Blues Blasters, and also recorded with Roland Alphonso, Clancy Eccles, Pat Kelly, and the Soul Defenders.[2] His keyboard playing was influential on other ska and jazz players, including Monty Alexander[4] and he had a hit in Jamaica with "Marjie", recorded with his band The Dewdroppers, and released on Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Worldisc label.[2] Adams became a regular session musician for Dodd in the 1960s, and also played on sessions for Sonia Pottinger, and in Lynn Taitt's band the Jets.[4]
Discography
editSingles
edit- "Little Willie" (1961), All Stars/Coxsone - Aubrey Adams with Clue J & His Blues Blasters
- "West Kingston Express" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
- "Mellow Grove" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
- "Panic in Bond Street" (1961), Coxsone - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
- "Lady in Red" (1961), Coxsone - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
- "Stew Peas and Cornflakes" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & Rico Rodriguez
- "Cherry Island" (1973), Jogibs
References
edit- ^ a b Jamaica, Civil Registration Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1878-1930
- ^ a b c Moskowitz, David V. (2006) Caribbean Popular Music: an Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall, Greenwood Press, ISBN 0-313-33158-8, p. 4-5
- ^ Gambrill, Tony (2007) "Sonny Bradshaw is 81 years young", Jamaica Observer, 27 May 2007, retrieved 13 September 2009
- ^ a b Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn., Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-329-4, p. 24, 49, 81, 83
