Check out what people are saying about the new album:

Amazon Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A little of everything, and a lot of style
By Grady Harp HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE VOICE on July 8, 2016

"With his debut album Salmagundi, drummer/composer Ben Adkins makes a dynamic entrance into the realm of jazz expression. The album title refers to a general mixture or potpourri, but that does not do full justice to the rich palette of items that Ben is offering here. A fine blend, comprising jazz classics, a fresh take on a standard, New Orleans-style funk and Adkins’ own outstanding compositions – spanning from delicate balladry to smooth swing to blazing blowing – takes the listener on an exciting journey that echoes the rich jazz legacy while looking boldly toward the future… and in most joyous fashion.

Terrific sounds – as solo turns and as a tightly bonded ensemble. It is hard to believe this is a first recording!"

-Grady Harp, July 16
    "Salmagundi, the debut album from drummer extraordinaire Ben Adkins, is a beautifully crafted jazz journey featuring top notch musicians and a wonderful combination of jazz classics and originals. Each track illustrates Ben's unique ability to add texture, color, shading and musicality to any style. Impeccably recorded, this collection features a combination of acoustic and electric instruments that is perfectly balanced. I love this album. It's great music!"

-Danny Gottlieb
4 Time Grammy Award Winning Drummer and
Professor of Jazz Studies, The University of North Florida
This well-orchestrated and assembled album is not only raising the bar for itself, but also for other new albums on the market now."

-Michael Czékus, Disc Reviews August 1st, 2016

Click the link above to see this Review/Interview about my new CD from the Folio Weekly.

"Ben’s most dynamic drums lead this session in a powerhouse jazz session that you’ll be playing over & over (& OVER) again!  Tunes like the high-energy “Fungii Mama” show off his skill, and give plenty of room for the other players (Trumpet and Flugelhorn – Alphonso Horne; Piano and Rhodes – Joshua Bowlus; Guitar – Paul Miller & Bass – Stan Piper) to shine brilliantly, as well (I truly loved Joshua’s keyboard work on this track)!  This is Ben’s debut release, and but rest assured, you’ll be hearing much, MUCH more from this high-talent player, & I’ve no doubt you will be hitting the “replay” button many times on all ten of these highly creative tracks.  It was truly some of the coolest jazz I’ve listened to in 2016!   I give Ben & his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this stellar debut release!."
 
-Jeremy Shaskus – July 21, Improvijazzation Nation magazine
 
    “Ben immediately appears as a great composer with Lucky, a fun song to put the audience in a good mood. “Let's Dance (The Night Away)” sees Joshua Bowlus on the acoustic piano with a very elegant solo, followed by the known standard, “You and the Night and the Music,” executed exquisitely as a drums/rhodes duo. “Chelsea Bridge,” the famous ballad of Billy Strayhorn, executed delicately along with Alphonso Horne and Bowlus again on acoustic piano, maximizes the evocative atmosphere suggested by the composer. “Cheryl,” by Charlie Parker is executed in the bebop style without hesitation on the part of the pianist's performance as a trio, with also a solo by Stan Piper bass which brings us back to that time as pianists like Bud Powell."
 
-Vittorio Lo Conte – July 14, Music Zoom Magazine, Italy
 
 
Soulful and swingin' vocals with an imaginative and supportive quartet playing fresh arrangements, showcasing a modern twist on classic melodies. Genre: Jazz: Mainstream Jazz Release Date: 2014
The debut album of this nine piece jazz ensemble presents a variety of mood and expression through inventive arranging, tight ensemble playing and spirited improvisations. Genre: Jazz: Big Band Release Date: 2009
Big Band Jazz at its best from one of the foremost collegiate bands in the country: four Latin cuts with dynamic guest saxophonist Ed Calle, six student arrangements, including an original written by legendary saxophonist, Bunky Green. Genre: Jazz: Swing/Big Band Release Date: 2008