U.S. Embassy Photo Release
March 14, 2007

U.S. Jazz Quartet Performs
Two Free Manila Concerts, Leads Music Classes

A U.S. jazz ensemble gave two free concerts in Manila during a visit sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Adam Klipple and Drive-by Leslie, an instrumental jazz quartet headed by organist Adam Klipple, is touring East Asia as part of the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program, which brings American musicians to perform overseas.

The quartet performed free concerts to excited crowds at The Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia and at The Block, SM City North Edsa. Pictured above is the group after their concert at The Block. Clockwise from the top are Willard Dyson (drums), David Phelps (guitar), Adam Klipple (organ), and David Ambrosio (bass).

During their tour of the Philippines, the quartet also conducted Master Classes for students from the UST Conservatory of Music and University of the Philippines College of Music. Pictured above, the ensemble members tutored students in keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums.

Adam Klipple and Drive-by Leslie have a chemistry that transcends genres. As evidenced in their second recording, titled “From Memphis to Bishkek,” the group skillfully fuses funk, world music allusions, dissonant harmonies, and jazzy improvisations in a way that is both expansive and accessible. Drive-By Leslie explores many styles of electric jazz, from the organ trio to the present.

The members of Drive-By Leslie have performed at several international jazz festivals and with renowned musicians such as Groove Collective, Smokey Robinson, Public Enemy, Buddy DeFranco, Ravi Coltrane, Charlie Hunter, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Locke, Grady Tate, Jimmy Scott, and The New York Voices.

The U.S. Embassy wishes to express its deepest appreciation for the generous support of the following sponsors: SM Supermalls, Hyatt Hotel and Casino, and 105.1 Crossover radio.

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