Kris Adams, like many jazz singers her age, combines her singing and a full-time teaching schedule. Adams was an Army “brat” and moved around the U.S. before finally settling in Connecticut in 1986. Her interest in jazz grew after listening to Chick Corea, Return to Forever, and other great fusion artists. In 1977, she was a part of Talking Drums in Hartford, CT, which is a Latin jazz band. Thomas Chapin, a saxophonist, used to play with the group before moving to Rutgers. Adams, who was born in 1979, moved to Boston to study at Berkelee College of Music. She graduated in 1982. She worked for various local organizations while she was in Boston. In 1993, she returned to school and received a Masters degree from New England Conservatory. She studied with Jimmy Giuffre (reed master), Paul Bley (keyboard artist), and Dominique Eade (vocalist). Adams received her MA from Berkelee College of Music. She also taught at New England Conservatory, Wellesley College and Berkelee College of Music. Adams received a grant that enabled her to release her 1999 album, This Thing Called Love, on Jazzbird. This session’s playlist reflects her jazz singing style and the mannerisms of Ursula Dudziak, Elis Regina and Norma Winstone. Although there are many songs that are familiar, Adams sings them in an interesting, offbeat way. Adams isn’t your typical songbird. She pushes herself to make listeners open their ears. The rewards are many and great for those who persevere. Adams was reunited with Weaver of Dreams in 2002. Allmusic
