EPISODE 53 - Adam Niewood

Adam Niewood is a saxophonist, composer, drummer, and craftsman, who has been involved in a variety of different creative projects over the past 30 years, in and around the New York metropolitan area.  More recently having worked for 6 years in David Liebman’s “Elvin Jones Live at the Lighthouse” Band playing the Tenor 2 book once held by Steve Grossman in the early 1970s incarnation of the Elvin Jones Quartet.  Also a long tenure as a member of the Pat Martino Quintet during Pat’s last years of touring, Adam can be heard on Pat’s last album as a leader, Formidable.  While in another mode as a craftsman, making Saxophone mouthpieces for today’s virtual who’s who, of professional world-class Saxophone player’s like Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Dick Oatts, Mark Turner, Greg Osby, Ron Blake, John Ellis, Greg Tardy, Ben Wendell, Dayna Stephens, and countless others.  It’s becoming arguable, exactly what Adam Niewood is most well-known for.

Adam comes from what some refer to as “an artsy family” His father, Gerry Niewood, was a world renown jazz artist best known for his long association with Chuck Magionne. Saxophone studies began at age 3 (!) and by the tender age of 5, Adam had traveled on the road (tagging along with dad) with Simon & Garfunkel and Liza Minelli. While still in high school, Adam played tenor and toured in big bands that included Lew Soloff, Don Menza and Steve Gadd.

After early studies with his dad and a two year stint in Boston at Berklee, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University under the tutelage of David Demsey. Upon graduation, Dr. Demsey recommended Adam for a professorship at Montclair State University, where he instructed saxophophone, jazz history and small ensemble. Eager to continue his education, he received a full scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music (earning a Master’s Degree). Subsequently, he became one of the first attendees of the jazz program at Juilliard (earning his Artist Diploma in May of 2010).  More recently, Adam taught Drum Set at Lafayette College as a musical instructor. In addition, he has been a guest lecturer at William Patterson University, The Juilliard School and multiple jazz workshops. 

Throughout his career as a freelance musician, Adam Niewood has played with an eclectic wide spectrum of various different artists ranging from: Renee Olstead, Ronnie Cuber, Andy Fusco, George Benson, Richie Cole, Tito Puente Jr., Bill Charlap, Joe Piscopo, Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, Debbie Gibson, Warren Vache, Vic Juris, Steve Gilmore, Gene Bertoncini, Bill Goodwin, Phil Woods, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Dave Leibman, Gene Perla, Adam Nussbaum, Pat Martino, and many other accomplished musicians.

With now several recordings, under his belt, as a leader: Adam’s latest releases on Steeplechase Records –  “Blue as a Whistle” and “Home with You At Last” – feature jazz greats John Scofield, John Patitucci, and Jack DeJohnette.  (Check out the Music page for Adam’s select discography)
Adam’s work as a craftsman on Mouthpieces, has evolved over years of study and apprenticeship.  Having been “in-business” professionally for 20 years, he is now recognized as one of the most intuitive and serious craftsmen on the planet. His fascination with mouthpieces was inspired by the late Jon Van Wie, an acknowledged master of refacing. After Jon’s passing, Adam knocked on the door of the legendary Ted Klum (taught by the master Everett Mattsen) and became an apprentice of Ted’s, learning and perfecting the art of the mouthpiece – as well as establishing a lifelong friendship.