Splitting his time between Toronto and Nashville, Adlai Waxman has worked hard to get where he is today and feels fortunate to be making a living doing what he loves best: music. Wearing many hats, he earns his keep as a session/ back-up musician, a songwriter of many genres, and a performing/recording artist.
Adlai began his musical journey in Toronto, where he grew up and was first introduced to music. His father, a musician himself, took Adlai to numerous concerts including Ray Charles at Massey Hall and Ben E. King at The Royal York Ballroom. Seated in the front row, Adlai was asked to sing with Ben E. King on stage while performing his hit song "Stand By Me." He recalls later that night King autographed his ticket “to my new singing partner.” It was sealed there would be no other career path for him but music.
Studying piano, organ, accordion, and voice, Adlai began writing songs and playing in bands, along with using his skills as a multi- instrumentalist to land work as a session player. Working with Noteborn Music Publishing from 2003-2007, he used his writing talents for TV documentaries, movies, and artists in Nashville.
In 2004, Adlai independently produced his own EP, Pomona Valley, and followed up in 2005 with a second EP, Flight 73. Together the albums scored him a total of three number one hits on the CBC New Music Singer-Songwriter Pop Charts with the tracks “Nothing Left,” “Caledonia Street” and “Sun Song.” After hearing Pomona Valley, legendary producer, Jerry Wexler (Bob Dylan, Ray Charles) personally called Adlai to offer career guidance. According to Wexler, "Adlai Waxman is a musician who can fit in with the best of them.”
Adlai caught the ear of Toronto boutique label Marshmellow Records in 2008. A year later his first full-length album, Down At Joe’s, was released. All 15 tracks were written and arranged by Adlai, who brings forward a sound that emanates with the influence of songwriters like Randy Newman, Joe Jackson, Robbie Robertson and Donald Fagen. Fusing elements of pop/rock, jazz and folk, Adlai’s music combines clever songwriting with melodic piano compositions, and a distinct yet familiar vocal style that pushes the boundaries of traditional piano pop-music. The staff at CD Baby selected Down At Joe's as an Editor's Pick in the Jazz-Pop Genre a week after it's release on January 1, 2009.
Over the past year Adlai has been steadily touring Canada and the eastern United States with shows at notable venues including Googie’s Lounge in NYC and Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley. In March of 2009, he played Austin’s Red Gorilla Music Fest and opened for 12 Against Nature, Nashville’s renowned Steely Dan tribute band.
While on the road, Adlai also focuses on collaborating with fellow musicians and writers. During his career, he has had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Vito Rezza (Joni Mitchell), Mark Rodgers (Susan Tudeski), and Mike Dunbar (Willy Nelson) to name a few.
Currently, Adlai is pursuing a permanent Nashville address while he continues his daily adventures of everything music. |
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