Adam Hawley

Spanning genres, making connections

ADAM HAWLEY

By Ken Capobianco

“The music I’m into and the artists who influence me resonate with contemporary jazz fans, so I think my music has resonated with them also.”

Very few artists in any musical genre have ascended to prominence as quickly as jazz guitarist-producer Adam Hawley since his bestselling 2016 debut album, Just the Beginning, which spawned the chart-topping singles “35th Street,” “I Don’t Mind” and “Joy Ride.” Over a six-year span, the prolific Hawley has released nine No. 1 singles from his first four albums while becoming a staple on the smooth jazz touring circuit.

The multi-instrumentalist’s latest album, Risin’ Up, is another successful release, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. The Portland, Oregon, native and Los Angeles resident believes there’s a basic explanation for his music’s appeal. “The music I’m into and the artists who influence me resonate with contemporary jazz fans, so I think my music has resonated with them also,” Hawley said. “As early as high school and college, I was listening to George Benson and Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, so I’m a true fan of the genre. But I also cut my teeth on old-school R&B, too, like Earth, Wind & Fire, Brothers Johnson and Michael Jackson, so those influences go into my music, guitar styling and writing. It looks like that speaks to audiences. I make the music I want, and people are digging it.” Hawley’s eclectic musical approach of mixing accessible grooves with superb melodies and tight, inventive arrangements is on full display on Risin’ Up, his most upbeat and inspired effort. It relies heavily on horns to augment his lucid guitar work and the dynamic

Hawley said his eclectic approach owes a lot to his background before he went solo and recorded his first album. He played with a wide array of acts once he got firmly established as a sideman after moving to Los Angeles from Portland.

rhythm section. Clearly influenced by R&B and funk, the songs are designed to get bodies moving and lift spirits. The record was conceived as an antidote to some of the troubled times people have been experiencing over the past few years. “I wanted this record to be a reprieve for not only the listeners but myself too,” the humble, gracious musician said. “2020, then 2021, and now 2022 have been tough for a lot of people—very difficult—so my hope is if people listen to the record all the way through for what, 40-45 minutes, that can be their escape. “Of course, that doesn’t mean to put your head in the sand—there are too many important issues out there—but it’s good to catch your breath. Everything in it, including the title, which made for the debut single, was geared toward the upbeat and high energy. The second single, ‘Gotta Get Up,’ which just hit No. 2 on the Billboard charts, reflects that energy.” Hawley, who has a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Southern California, wrote or co-wrote nine of the 10-song set (also included is a cover of Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me,” featuring the guitarist’s wife, Kat, on vocals). The integration of prominent horns was a bit of a departure for him, but he feels it was a natural progression for his art, and they suited the spirit of the songs. “As early as fifth grade, I played trumpet in concert bands, so horns have always been in the forefront of my mind, and many artists I’ve enjoyed over the years have horn sections,” he said. “There are four or five songs here with horns—the material just was leaning that way. I was thinking of a much more full sound. This was a bit of a reaction to my third album, Escape, which was more reserved and moodier. Risin’ Up was a fun direction, but I’m sure the next record will be different again.” One of the earmarks of his music is the way it blends and straddles genres––the songs have a pop accessibility but are rooted in jazz, R&B and funk. While the nuanced musical details and expert modern production are best appreciated with headphones, the tracks sound great on the dance floor or on the highway with the windows rolled down on a warm summer night. Hawley said his eclectic approach owes a lot to his background before he went solo and recorded his first album. He played with a wide array of acts once he got firmly established as a sideman after moving to Los Angeles from Portland. “Before I started making any records, I had a lot of experience working in multiple genres—straight-ahead jazz with Natalie Cole and Manhattan Transfer, R&B with Brian McKnight and Lalah Hathaway, pop with Jennifer Lopez or the Backstreet Boys. And, then I was lucky to work with elite contemporary jazz artists like Brian Culbertson and Dave Koz. That all goes into the creative pot, and a goal of mine on each record is to give the listener a lot of bang for their bucks and hit a lot of moods and change things up.” He added that his past work with different artists also informs his vibrant stage show, which draws in new listeners and has fans coming back for more. “With Jennifer Lopez, we played in front of 20,000 people a night in all the NBA arenas, and played large venues overseas. The first few times you are in awe, but then you adapt, and you learn you need to reach each individual person and make them feel like you are connecting with them, and that’s my goal.” He hesitated to think and proceeded to elaborate. “The notes I’m playing on the guitar, that’s further down the list when I’m playing live. I’ve been playing for 30 years, so I have

continued from page 17 that confidence. The No. 1 thing I’m ‘thinking about is connecting with the fans. Are they receiving the vibes I’m going for? The musicianship has to be there, of course, but it’s also about the fan experience and their reaction when they walk away from the show.” At 37, Hawley is part of the next wave of contemporary jazz musicians. While most of his peers in smooth jazz are older, he said there’s no generation gap when it comes to making music. “Music is the common language, so we all have something to talk about. Look at Justin-Lee Schultz. He’s 17 and fits right in. Music knows no age. “I’ve been overseas and jammed with people who don’t speak English––we had a conversation musically. What’s refreshing about this genre is it’s so welcoming. I can say that every single legendary artist has pulled me aside and said, ‘Man, I’m really happy for you and excited about your success.’ I don’t seek out compliments, but everyone from Najee to Dave [Koz] to Gerald [Albright] and on has been incredibly gracious to me.” While his solo career is burning white hot, Hawley also keeps busy with his production company, which has been key to the success of artists like Kim Scott, Blake Aaron and Lisa Addeo. In mid-May, there were five Hawley-produced songs at the top of the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay chart. He also will be playing a number of collaborative shows with vocalist Lindsey Webster throughout the year. Hawley’s wife, Kat, is an integral component of his stage show, and now they are working together on her debut record. “I feature Kat on every album, and she’s featured on my show,” the guitarist said. “With the exception of the dates with Lindsey, my wife will

“‘Success is when preparation be on all my shows this year––she’s a big part of it. Anyone who hasn’t seen her is in for a treat. We also enjoy seeing meets opportunity’ applies— the world together and visiting cities it’s true. If you stay ready, to taste the local cuisine or seeing whatever we can.” then you’ll be prepared With his new album holding steady on the charts, Hawley is already at when the doors open.” work on a new solo record and a Christmas collection. If that didn’t keep him busy enough, he also teaches a class each week at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. “I owe so much of my career to my experience at USC and in high school classes, so it makes sense,” he explained. The hardworking, determined artist who gets up at 5 in the morning to hit the gym before helping his 13-year-old son get ready for school, and then getting into the studio, doesn’t think there’s a big mystery behind achieving one’s goals in life. “I’m a firm believer in you make your own luck, but I was fortunate to be born in a country that has a great music industry, so I’ve had an advantage, but I’m from Oregon. I realized if I wanted to be a musician, I had to get to a place that had a great music scene. “I moved to L.A., but here’s the main thing for me, and it applies to life,” he said before a moment of contemplation. “Just do your best work every day. Every day won’t be a massive victory or accomplishment, but I’ve been a professional musician for 25 years, and the key is don’t get too high and don’t get too low. Just put in the work. “That old saying ‘Success is when preparation meets opportunity’ applies—it’s true. If you stay ready, then you’ll be prepared when the doors open.” For more information on Hawley, including his complete tour schedule, visit https://adamhawley.com

On Tour

July 16

Winter Park Jazz Festival Rendezvous Event Center Winter Park, Colorado www.playwinterpark.com/jazzfest

Aug. 27

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Concert Series Thornton Winery Temecula, California www.thorntonwine.com

Sept. 4

Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition Pensacola Community Maritime Park Pensacola, Florida www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com

Sept. 11

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival Fort Hunter Park Harrisburg, Pennsylvania www.dauphincounty.org

Oct. 15

Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Catalina Casino Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com