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 nameAubrey Wellington Adams
Born17 June 1920[1]
Crossroads, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
OriginJamaica
Died6 August 1990 (aged 70)[1]
University of the West Indies, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
GenresJazz, ska
Occupation(s)Pianist, bandleader
Instrument(s)Piano, organ
Years active1950s–1960s
Formerly ofClue J & His Blues Blasters

Biography

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Adams 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

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Singles

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  • "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

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  1. ^ a b Jamaica, Civil Registration Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1878-1930
  2. ^ 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
  3. ^ Gambrill, Tony (2007) "Sonny Bradshaw is 81 years young", Jamaica Observer, 27 May 2007, retrieved 13 September 2009
  4. ^ 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