Meet John Adams | Musician, Producer, Arranger and Music Contractor

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
By the time I was in my mid-30’s I had already done 15+ years of professional work as a bassist, in just about every genre and type of setting there is. This ranged from Symphonies, to Jazz, Funk, Rock, Country and Latin bands, to studio sessions and recording projects, to musicals, to regular/weekly engagements, touring gigs, and more. As I decided to launch my own initial recording project under my name, after passing on a couple of record deals with small Jazz labels, I realized I would be better off doing them with my own label. This meant coming up with a label/company name and logo, so the fellow who was doing the CD art work design offered to make me a logo, which I still use today! After some research and thought I named (and registered/TM) “CONGRUENT MUSIC CO.” As more opportunities came along to not just be the “sideman” bassist, I eventually needed to have contracts I could use, and then started using that Congruent Music label name as my DBA company name for other music business endeavors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Some of the distinctives in my approach to art (and its merging with my business) are:
1) High levels of musical skills, and constant refinement of them (I still practice nearly every day), and always working on mastering new elements;
2) Craftsmanship as well as artistry, so that the music which I prepare and present for each performance or recording project is suited to that exact purpose and the needs of that client/setting/environment or project. In other words, I don’t approach every endeavor the same way;
3) Cultivation of long-time, deep musical collaboration with musicians and vocalists who exhibit and maintain those same ingredients (points 1 & 2 above). Team work, and service to the moment are the key. As a result, great musicians WANT to do my gigs and projects because they know that they will be teamed up with others who care about the work and the music the same way they do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For DFW area, I would take them to the Arts districts of both Dallas and Fort Worth. I would take them to eat at some of the amazing Mexican and BBQ places in the area, such as Mi Cocina and Spring Creek BBQ. I would take them to the places which I play at weekly/monthly – The Balcony Club, Scat Jazz Lounge, and the Kitchen Cafe. I would take them for a walk or run on the Katy Trail and or the pathways in Richardson/Plano area. I would also take them to some of the charming little downtown squares nearby like McKinney, and maybe a trek to the Stockyards area of Fort Worth.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Bert and Diane Adams, from whom I heard great music in the home and in our community, from childhood;
My long-time musical colleagues, such as Brian Piper, Mike Drake, Sean McCurley, Stefan Karlsson, Steve Barnes, Jason Smith, Brandi Smith, Jason Bucklin, Noel Johnston, and many others;
Venue owners whom I have worked with for a long time, including weekly and monthly residencies, Tony Hakim (Kitchen Cafe), David Luckey (Balcony Club), Greg Newman (Sundance Square). Ricki Derek (Scat Jazz Lounge);
My wife Lori, who is a steadfast supporter and partner.

Website: https://congruentmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnadams8751/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-adams-a5501012/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/john-adams-79

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnadams17

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnadamsbass

Other: https://thespecialeditionband.com/

Image Credits
Walter Eagleton Photography, Michelle Shore Photography, Caroline Jurgensen Photography