Adam Rongo
Up and coming alto saxophonist, Adam Rongo has been playing music since childhood. He attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy, and quickly took to jazz. He then moved to Chicago to study with Mike Smith, an alto saxophonist who has shared the stage with Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., Nat Adderley, and many others. Adam holds a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, where he studied with Diego Rivera, Rodney Whitaker, Etienne Charles, and Michael Dease.
While at MSU, Adam received a scholarship to attend the Keep An Eye Summer Jazz Workshop in Amsterdam to study with Dick Oatts. In 2012 Adam placed 2nd in the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, was selected as a finalist at the North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Competition in Tempe Arizona, and also received a Downbeat Student Music Award as an Outstanding Soloist in the Graduate category.
Adam has since moved to New York City, and has quickly established a reputation as both a sideman and band leader. He has performed with a variety of great musicians, including Michael Dease and Ulysses Owens Jr., at well known venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, and the Bimhuis in Amsterdam. He recently released his debut album, "Tell Your Story" on the D-Clef Record Label in October of 2013. The album features stellar musicians, including: Michael Dease, Etienne Charles, Emmet Cohen, Randy Napoleon, Behn Gillece, Ulysses Owens Jr. and Rodney Whitaker.
"I truly feel that this debut recording of Adam Rongo is going to send a message to the Jazz world that the spirit of so many great voices on the Alto Saxophone is alive, well, and in great hands!" - Ulysses Owens Jr.
GEAR
VIRT2007NL Virtuoso Tenor Saxophone
SS524 Soprano Saxophone
The RS Berkeley Virtuoso Tenor Saxophone is the most versatile horn that I have ever played. With the assistance of my setup, I am able to achieve the sound I look for in vintage American manufactured instruments, but without the usual sacrifice in projection and technical facility. I would recommend this line of saxophones in a heartbeat if you’re looking for an instrument that lets you choose the sound you want from it, as opposed to a horn that dictates your sound from the start.