Pepper Adams



Born in Highland Park and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Pepper grew up playing with a number of jazz legends including Donald Byrd and the legendary Jones brothers (Elvin, Thad, and Hank) before moving to New York City. In his career, Adams played on over 600 sessions including notable dates with Charles Mingus, Stan Kenton, Donald Byrd, John Coltrane and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.

Pepper Adams - Episode 1

This show will highlight his musical influences, his early work with Toots Thielmans and first important albums under his own name from the late 1950’s.
CompositionArtistAlbumYear
Moanin’Charles MingusBlues and Roots1959
Sophisticated LadyHarry Carney with Duke EllingtonDuke Ellington at the Stratford Festival1956
I Got it BadHarry CarneyHarry Carney with Strings1954
ConfirmationCharlie ParkerBird’s Best on Verve1953
MoveWardell Gray’s Los Angeles All Stars1950
Muezzin’Pepper AdamsPepper Adams Quintet1957
East of the SunToots ThielemansMan Bites Harmonica1957
Hastings St BouncePepper Adams10 to 4 Five Spot1958

Pepper Adams - Episode 2

This podcast will highlight some of his most memorable recordings made with Donald Byrd, Charles Mingus and Duke Pearson from the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. His association with trumpeter Donald Byrd and pianist-composer Duke Pearson from this period yielded some of Pepper’s most memorable recordings. He went on to have a long career as a studio musician, jazz performer, composer, and bandleader through the mid 1980’s working with many of the most important musicians in jazz.
CompositionArtistAlbumYear
Here am IDonald ByrdByrd in Hand1959
Moanin'Charles MingusBlues and Roots1959
DaydreamPepper Adams/ Donald ByrdOut of This World1961
ChantDonald ByrdChant1961
I'm Old CowhandDonald ByrdChant1961
Sophisticated LadyDonald ByrdChant1961