Adam Niewood

Born in New Jersey on April 14, 1977, Adam Niewood is a New York City-based saxophonist and composer. Born into a musical family – his father was jazz saxophonist Gerry Niewood – his first instrument was a clarinet but he quickly switched to alto saxophone. His high school band director encouraged him to switch to tenor saxophone, which allowed Niewood to explore different musical avenues. He received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1995. Two years later, he transferred to William Paterson University. It was there where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. From 2000 – 2003, he worked as the Professor of Saxophone, Jazz History, and small Ensembles at Montclair State University in NJ. Niewood was one of the first 18 students to attend The Juilliard School of Music's fledging Jazz program in 2001. He attended the Manhattan School of Music in 2003, leaving the faculty of Montclair University to focus on his studies, graduating with a master’s degree in Jazz Performance in 2005. His debut album, Introducing Adam Niewood, was released in 2004. In 2008, he issued the two CD release Adam Niewood & His Rabble Rousers Volumes I & II. During the course of his career, he toured and played with many different musicians, expanded his interest into experimental jazz. In 2015, he released Homage (Niewood Plays Niewood), a tribute to his father. The album featured musical assistance from John Scofield, John Patitucci, and Jack DeJohnette. In 2020, he issued two albums: Home with You, at Last and Blue as a Whistle.