U.S. Jazz Quartet Performs In Manila

A U.S. jazz ensemble is giving two free concerts in Manila during a visit sponsored by the U.S. Embassy.

Adam Klipple and Drive-by Leslie, an instrumental jazz quartet headed by organist Adam Klipple, is touring East Asia as part of the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program, which brings American musicians to perform overseas, a U.S. Embassy said.

Ensemble members Adam Klipple (organ), David Phelps (guitar), David Ambrosio (bass), and Willard Dyson (drums) will perform two free public concerts on Sunday, March 11 from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia and Tuesday, March 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at The Block, SM City North Edsa.



During their tour of the Philippines, the quartet will conduct Master Classes for students from Filipino music conservatories.

Adam Klipple and Drive-by Leslie have developed a chemistry that transcends genres. As evidenced in their second recording, titled “From Memphis to Bishkek,” the group skillfully fuses funk, world music allusions, dissonant harmonies, and jazzy improvisations in a way that is both expansive and accessible. Drive-By Leslie explores many styles of electric jazz, from the organ trio to the present.

In addition to leading and performing with two quartets, Adam Klipple is involved in stage and recording projects with well-known composers and musical artists. Also a composer and arranger, Mr. Klipple recently arranged two pieces for the Black Rock Coalition's tribute to Ray Charles.

He was awarded touring and composing grants in 2004 to travel to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to collaborate with local folk musicians. His quartet toured as a Jazz Ambassador in 2003, and was sponsored by the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of State on a six-week tour of concerts and master classes in Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

The members of Drive-By Leslie have performed at several international jazz festivals and with renowned musicians such as Groove Collective, Smokey Robinson, Public Enemy, Buddy DeFranco, Ravi Coltrane, Charlie Hunter, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Locke, Grady Tate, Jimmy Scott, and The New York Voices.