Adam Glasser Quartet at Off the Rails

Event information

Adam Glasser’s unique harmonica sound combines his South African roots with many years immersed in the UK jazz scene. Initially playing piano in his own groups, as well as for such South African legends as Dudu Pukwana, Adam has since released two critically acclaimed albums of his own – Free at First (2010, SAMA Best Modern Jazz Album) and Mzansi (2012, nominated SAMA Best Jazz Album).

Born in Cambridge England, Adam grew up in Johannesburg where as a teenager he Adam hung out at Dorkay House with legendary horn players like Barney Rachabane, Mackay Davashe and guitarist Allen Kwela.

Adam is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading jazz chromatic harmonica players. A virtuoso on the instrument, Adam’s playing is eloquent, subtle and constantly inventive (and if that weren’t enough, he is also a fine pianist). Renowned as a leading exponent of South African township jazz, he released two critically acclaimed albums on US Sunnyside Records, Free at First (Winner SA Music Awards Best Jazz Album 2010) and Mzansi (Best Jazz Album nominee 2012).

Across a rich career spanning over four decades Adam includes performances with Dudu Pukwana, Pinise Saul, Hugh Masekela, Sting, the Eurythmics, Incognito, Joe Zawinul & other luminaries, along with countless film and TV sessions. He was also the musical director of legendary South African vocal group the Manhattan Brothers for 16 years.

Adam’s latest quartet features cutting edge members of the contemporary UK jazz scene: guitar virtuoso Ant Law, bassist Steve Watts and drummer Corrie Dick.

"[Adam Glasser]... has brought a truly unique voice and idiom to the constantly evolving language of jazz... a challenge to equal for sheer scope of virtuosity, musicality and surprise" AllAboutJazz

"The virtuosity and panache associated with practitioners on more conventional instruments… a wholly impressive evening's music from a man in complete control of his considerable resources" Vortex Jazz