NICK ADEMA

URBAN CHAOS

ZenneZ Records

Nick Adema, trombone/composer/arranger/Pedal Board/lyrics; Joy Shechter, piano; Azubike Onwuka, electric bass; Chen Har Even, drums; Ante Medic, guitar; Noah Preminger, tenor saxophone; Micheal Murray, alto saxophone; STRINGS: Valentine Blangé, violin; Alkistis Misouli, viola; Joshua Herwig, cello. Liva Dumpe, vocals.

Nick Adema is Canadian born, but currently is based in Amsterdam. On this project, he explores the turmoil of life and loss that he has titled, “Urban Chaos.” The loss of a loved one can stimulate emotions and often inspire compositions.  In 2022, when Adema lost his mother, he considered stepping away from the music business entirely.  After dealing with the grief that comes from losing a loved one, he once again returned to music.

“This album is about the process of moving on and realizing that what’s done is done, while acknowledging all that she’s done to help me continue my music,” Nick Adema explained.

I enjoy the way Adema weaves in a string quartet on Track #2 called, “The Fool” to soften the production with their sweetness.  His trombone cries above the chord changes in a very emotional way.  When drummer, Chen Har Even, adds his groove to the mix, along with Azubike Onwuka on electric bass, the tune takes a turn. Soon, Joy Shechter is featured during a stunning piano solo. Adema’s trombone soars and circles above the musical track.  It captures the feeling of chaos, in its own unique way.

On a tune called “111” and the ninth track called “222,” Adema and Noah Preminger go toe to toe, horn to horn, with Adema altering the sound of his trombone with a pedal board and Preminger improvising smoothly.  These less than a minute songs sound like the introduction to something bigger and better but disappear in less than 60 seconds without developing a theme.

“Y-Axis” begins with a funk drum and bass line.  The agitated rhythms invite the horns to take their solo positions.  Adema blows his trombone wildly, saying in his press package that this tune is dedicated to one of the composer’s mentors at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Yaniv Nachum.  Preminger calms the moment with his lucid solo, but still embraces the chaos of the moment in a tumbling of notes and musical phrases, traded with Adema’s creative trombone input.  “The Friendly ghost” is a sweet song that invites a six-string contribution from Ante Medic on guitar. In a rubato setting, on a tune called “Doglio,” Medic on guitar and Azubike Onwuka on electric bass set the tone for a Latin tinged arrangement.  Adema bursts onto the scene with his trombone blowing his solo first, then doubling in power with Preminger on saxophone.  There are hints of New Orleans jazz in this presentation, the chords sounding dirge-like, while the horns rejoice.  This album showcases Nick Adema as one of the most versatile trombonists on the modern jazz landscape.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter