Aubrey Adams

Aubrey Wellington Adams (17 June 1920 – 6 August 1990) was a Jamaican pianist and keyboard player who was one of the top bandleaders in Jamaica in the 1950s, and led the Dewdroppers as well as playing with Clue J & His Blues Blasters.

Aubrey Adams
Birth name	Aubrey Wellington Adams
Born	17 June 1920 Crossroads, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
Origin	Jamaica
Died	6 August 1990 (aged 70)[1] University of the West Indies, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
Genres	Jazz, ska
Occupation(s)	Pianist, bandleader
Instrument(s)	Piano, organ
Years active	1950s–1960s
Formerly of	Clue J & His Blues Blasters

Biography

Adams was active in the pre-ska era of Jamaican music when he led a band that had a residency at the Courtleigh Manor Hotel, that included tenor saxophonist Tommy McCook among others.^[2] He also played in Sonny Bradshaw's jazz band.^[3] He continued to perform in the ska era of the early 1670s, when he played piano for Clue J and His Blues Blasters, and also recorded with Roland Alphonso, Clancy Eccles, Pat Kelly, and the Soul Defenders.^[2] His keyboard playing was influential on other ska and jazz players, including Monty Alexander^[4] and he had a hit in Jamaica with "Marjie", recorded with his band The Dewdroppers, and released on Clement "Coxsone" Dodd's Worldisc label.^[2] Adams became a regular session musician for Dodd in the 1960s, and also played on sessions for Sonia Pottinger, and in Lynn Taitt's band the Jets.^[4]

Discography

Singles

• "Little Willie" (1961), All Stars/Coxsone - Aubrey Adams with Clue J & His Blues Blasters
• "West Kingston Express" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
• "Mellow Grove" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
• "Panic in Bond Street" (1961), Coxsone - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
• "Lady in Red" (1961), Coxsone - Aubrey Adams & the Dewdroppers
• "Stew Peas and Cornflakes" (1961), All Stars - Aubrey Adams & Rico Rodriguez
• "Cherry Island" (1973), Jogibs