Brian Shankar Adler

Independent

Brian Shankar Adler is a multidisciplinary percussionist and composer. Described as "a polyrhythmic force… New York City gritty yet still somehow capable of evoking the delicacy of a summer breeze…” (JazzTimes), his work transcends the terrain between genre and geographic region, asking: how can we find connection through rhythm? Adler has performed internationally with Ballet Hispanico, Bombay Rickey, La Bomba de Tiempo and other artists. He has been recorded on over fifty albums including his solo works: For a Gallery on the Moon and Fourth Dimension (Chant Records). Adler published A World of Percussion connecting rhythm, language, mathematics and environment through a study of shared musical concepts from around the globe. He is on faculties at Bates, Bowdoin College and Vermont Jazz Center.

Brian
Shankar
Adler's
IN 3

Brian Shankar Adler's
IN 3

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

When I play with musicians for many years (ten, twenty years or more), a deep musical trust develops that is indescribable. It feels so comfortable and freeing, that I feel like I can say anything that I want through the drums. There are no technical barriers or limits. The best way I can describe it is like a conversation among life long friends.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

Hearing new sounds, textures or ideas that are so focused that they transport me to another world. Sometimes I hear them in my head, sometimes I hear them in the playing or writing of the masters and sometimes I hear them in nature.
FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

I love to practice using the thickest sticks that I can find, and also the thinnest. It is a great challenge for my hands. Then, I return to Vic Firth 5A’s and they feel an extension of my limbs. They feel like home.