ADEMA MANOUKAS OCTET

“NEW ROOTS”

The Adema Manoukas Octet is an energetic eight-piece ensemble co-led by Nick Adema and Alex Manoukas. All of the band members attended the University of Toronto together, and it was here where the band's initial bond was formed. Over several years, that band has been regularly performing at the Rex Hotel in Toronto, performing a wide variety of arrangements to find the band's sound. 

Coming on the heels of his first full-length album demiLAN, (“teeming with originality and confidence” - Yoshi Wall, The WholeNote), trombonist Nick Adema has teamed up with saxophonist Alex Manoukas for a new recording project with their newly formed band the Adema Manoukas Octet. These eight young Toronto all- stars have been performing together in various combinations for years, providing an alternative perspective on the Canadian jazz sound. Together, they offer a glimpse of a new music full of blistering solos, thought-provoking melodies, and world-class ensemble playing.

What the press is saying…

Adema/Manoukas Octet “New Roots” - Jazz Halo

Georges Tonla Briquet - May 2022

After the extremely successful demiLAN, trombonist Nick Adema and baritone saxophonist Alex Manoukas perform a new octet. Dynamics and connection with tradition are maintained. A strong introduction with crooner big band swing based on Dizzy Gillespie’s Tour De Force and ditto solos by double bass, baritone and altosaxophone. It is even more energetic in Runnin and In The Weeds. Pure big band bop. And again very strong solos. In the title track, band leaders Adema and Manoukas enrich the spicy fuel. Eastern Avenue can be used for scenes in a film noir. In the lead role this time double bass and trombone. They even venture into Round Midnight. With success thanks to the arrangement by Adema and the contribution of alto saxophonist Brenon Parmar. They transform another Monk composition (Reflections) into a melodic mid-tempo swing while they show themselves from a more experimental side in Three Step Deal. It is especially evident that Canadian trombonist, composer and arranger Nick Adema deserves worldwide recognition.deserves worldwide recognition.

The Band:

Evan Dalling - Trumpet

Brenon Parmar - Alto Sax

David Hodgson - Tenor Sax

Nick Adema - Trombone