We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zach Adleman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zach below.

Zach, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Lately, I’ve been preparing for my debut album, which will be recorded on October 16, 2023. The album serves as a soundtrack to so many stories, things I’ve learned, and experiences over the course of my life. I’m excited to share these pieces of music permanently with a really exciting band!

I recently returned from a summer where I travelled to Virginia with guitarist Doug Wamble, Florida with John Manzari, and California to teach at the Stanford Jazz Workshop for three weeks. Just last year, I was touring Israel w Elio Villafranca for the first time!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been playing drums since I was 6 years. While growing up in Montclair, New Jersey, I was inspired to play music from my parents and neighbors. I went to Michigan State (BM) and Juilliard MM, to study jazz performance (drums). I currently live in New York, doing freelance performing, teaching, composing, and band leading. I have a GRAMMY from participation on Ted Nash’s “The Presidential Suite” and I’ve played with some of my heroes including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Randy Brecker, Michael Dease, and Ted Rosenthal.

What sets me apart is my passion and work ethic. I am a deep listener musically, and personally, which allows me to be tasteful as to when to contribute, or let others shine in any given moment. I have a unique ability to write really melodic phrases in my compositions (things that you could sing with after the show). Lastly, I am a passionate educator, and thinker, that is able to help others improve their musical instincts, technique, and awareness.

Full bio:

https://zachjazzdrums.com/what-we-do

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to elevate myself to the highest level of quality I can be. I want to use this level of awareness, technique, passion, and knowledge to bring positivity to the world, and help others along their paths to find meaning. I believe that playing music that is meaningful and full of intent can inspire others to pursue their own journeys (artistic or otherwise).

Being part of a continuum drives me as well. Waking up to phone calls/texts from students asking important musical or career questions drives me as well as calling my mentors to do the very same thing. I love being a conduit for this sort of knowledge. I know that if music has made such a big impact on my life, it can make an impact on others- although maybe in totally different ways.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative person, is the ability to bring people together. I can do this with people that don’t speak the same language as me and with people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, creeds, colors… It’s a unique opportunity and power to be able to speak to so many different types of people. I’m confident I’ve performed in spaces that included people of differing political beliefs or world perspectives in the same room. What other scenarios would you have a group of people focused on joyous and moving art, who otherwise would argue with each other? I believe music has the power to bring people that otherwise wouldn’t be together in a room. Additionally, it can change, open up, or affects hearts and minds.

Contact Info:

• Website: zachjazzdrums.com
• Instagram: @zachjazzdrums
• Facebook: zach jazz drums
• Youtube: zachjazzdrums

Image Credits
Betsy Franco Feeney (blue suit) Joy Glenn (grey suit, black shirt, blueish lighting w just me and bass) Romel Sims (lying down staircase) Victor List (closing my eyes)