Bio
Though rooted in jazz, Denver-based trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator Adam Bartczak reaches into many walks of music. His compositions have been performed by the West Point Academy’s Jazz Knights, the University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band, Denver’s 9th and Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, and the University of Northern Colorado’s Jazz Lab 1, among other groups. Adam is in demand as a performer, composer, arranger, and clinician throughout the country.
A Colorado native, Adam grew up playing in jazz, rock, reggae, Afro-Cuban, and Dixieland bands, to name a few. In addition to jazz, blues, and soul, his music and playing are influenced by various popular and world musics, particularly those of Africa and Latin America.
He earned a BM from the University of Colorado at Boulder before joining Denver-based hip-hop/jazz collective Yo, Flaco!, with whom he recorded three albums, toured extensively, and was nominated for an American Music Award.
He moved east to attend the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he studied with Bob Brookmeyer, earned a MM in Jazz Composition, and had numerous works performed by the Jazz Composers’ Workshop Orchestra and the Jazz Composers’ Ensemble.
Currently, he performs and teaches in Colorado and is pursuing a Doctorate in Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Colorado. He plays with several local groups, including his own jazz quintet, which has performed at the Telluride Jazz Celebration on three occasions. Adam also composes and arranges extensively for large ensemble.