One of the most respected young musicians in New York [Cruz is] profoundly locked in, shifting easily from straight-ahead swing to funk patterns and Latin rhythms. The New York Times
A creative force on the international jazz scene, drummer and composer Adam Cruz is best known for his work with Danilo Perez, Tom Harrell, Steve Wilson, The Mingus Big Band, and Edward Simon. Cruz was born in New York City. He worked extensively with saxophonist David Sanchez and the Mingus Big Band during the 1990’s. He then toured with Chick Corea and Origin, culminating in the recordings Origin and A Week at the Blue Note.
In recent years Cruz has been active in several groups led by trumpeter Tom Harrell, as well as pianist Danilo Perez, including the Danilo Perez Trio which also features bassist Ben Street. His teachers have included his father – percussionist Ray Cruz, Frank Malabe, Victor Lewis, Kenny Washington and Joe Chambers. He has worked at various times in groups led by artists such as Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Pharaoh Sanders, Joey Calderazzo, and Paquito D’Rivera. Cruz is also a member of the newly formed Tom Harrell quartet “Trip” featuring Mark Turner and Ugonna Okegwo. Cruz’s remarkable musicianship has made him one of the most in demand drummers of today. In 2010 he was awarded a grant from the ACFM to record his much anticipated, debut recording as a composer and bandleader entitled Milestone.
Milestone was released in 2011 on Sunnyside Records and received great critical acclaim by the Los Angeles Times, Downbeat Magazine, and Jazz Times. The New York Times describes the album as “Informed by several strains of Latin music but just as meaningfully by brisk post-bop and lyrically minded free jazz”.
Drummer Adam Cruz pairs flawless technique and a crystalline touch with a level of prophetic intuition that is awe-inspiring
Modern drummer