For Immediate Release
ADAM HAWLEY’S SOLO CAREER GETS OFF TO AN EXPLOSIVE START WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED FIVE WEEKS AT #1 FOR HIS DEBUT SINGLE “35th St.” ON BILLBOARD’S SMOOTH JAZZ NATIONAL AIRPLAY CHART
The Multi-Talented Guitarist/Composer/Producer Laid the Groundwork for His Breakout Debut Album ‘Just The Beginning’ As A Touring Sideman For Jennifer Lopez, Manhattan Transfer and Genre Greats Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson and Euge Groove
After several years paving the way for his solo artist breakthrough as a touring sideman with smooth jazz greats Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson and Euge Groove, Adam Hawley is the genre’s top new chart sensation for 2016.
First hitting the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay chart in February, the multi-talented guitarist/composer/producer’s debut single “35th St.” (featuring saxophonist Eric Darius) has spent an unprecedented five weeks at #1 – making it one of the biggest smooth jazz hits of the year.
“Artists like Adam Hawley and the great things he has accomplished in such a short period of time is what keep me so very excited to be in this business for so many years!” says music industry veteran Ted Joseph, a consultant for the guitarist’s independent label Kalimba Music, which was founded by the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire.
With “35th St.” from Hawley’s perfectly titled full length debut Just The Beginning, the artist finds himself in exciting all-star company, topping a list filled with the latest radio hits by veteran smooth jazz artists like Boney James, Euge Groove, Fourplay, Paul Jackson, Jr., Jeff Lorber Fusion, Kim Waters, and The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman.
“It’s such an honor to be in that territory among so many legendary artists I have admired for years,” says Hawley. “It’s encouraging to feel so well accepted as a new artist. I’ve had the good fortune to be able to perform with the artists who have been making this music great for so long, and it’s been a privilege to have the opportunity to play for their audiences these past few years. Dave Koz has been especially generous spotlighting me during his opening sets for Barry Manilow and inviting me on three of his cruises. Now, many of Barry and Dave’s fans are excited about hearing my music, too!”
Hawley’s popularity in the genre also allowed him to feature a powerhouse guest list on Just The Beginning, including Culbertson, Euge, Gerald Albright and Michael Lington. The guitarist’s beautiful cover of The Cure’s classic “Love Song” features his wife Kat Hawley on vocals.
Hawley laid the groundwork for his tours with the smooth jazz elite by hitting the road with jazz legends The Manhattan Transfer (from 2008-2012), the late Natalie Cole and Jennifer Lopez. His multi-genre resume also includes performing and/or recording with The Backstreet Boys, Lalah Hathaway, Ruben Studdard, Joss Stone, Sheila E., Kirk Whalum, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia, Rahsaan Patterson, Jeff Lorber, Rick Braun, Monica, and appearances on American Idol, Kelly and Michael, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, and much more.
In addition, Hawley holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Studio/Jazz Guitar from the University of Southern California and currently teaches at Musician’s Institute, Chaffey College and Saddleback College.
“One of the most interesting aspects of the success of ’35th St.’ is the fact that I wrote it ten years ago when I was a student at USC, and what’s being played on the radio is virtually unchanged from the fully produced demo I created then. It was the last song to be finished on the album, and at the last minute I felt that it needed something a little extra to make it pop, which is how Eric Darius got involved. He brings great energy to the track and we pair together really well. I feel like all of this is somehow meant to be, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I have had over the years which have prepared me to launch my solo career and fully express my artistic vision.”
Hawley currently has 40 solo performance dates and counting for the remainder of 2016, including recently booking a headlining spot on the last day of the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and also Jazz Fest West.