MISHKA
ADAMS
BIOGRAPHY
M
ishka Adams' was destined to be an artistic force to be
reckoned with. The daughter of Filipina visual artist,
Agnes Arellano and British writer, Michael Adams, her
aesthetic roots include the literary, visual and musical arts. At a
tender age she was already associated with the Philippine literary
scene, when her dad was publishing the Caracoa literary journal
along with the Philippine Literary Arts Council. “A lot of my songs
start out as poetry. My dad was a big influence on me” - she
enthuses.
Miss Adams became interested in music at the age of 3 fascinated by artist like Joni Mitchell, which she listened to as a child.
Her love of jazz was sparked when she began saxophone lessons at the age of 10 and by 14 she had a solid basis of jazz
standards which she could sing and play.
Whilst taking her A levels at King's School in Canterbury she joined the school jazz band where she was associated with
some of the countries finest rising young jazz talent. On completing her A levels in Canterbury, Mishka flew back to Manila to
emerse herself in her cultural heritage and continuing her studies at the University of the Philippines - College of Music majoring in her first love, the saxophone.
Back in Manila Mishka took to the stage where she performed with the former first lady Amelita Ramos' Executive Jazz Band
at the 'Coming Home' Show, a benefit show for the Museum Foundation in Manila. She took the audience by storm and
established herself as a budding titan on the Manila music scene. She has performed in many jazz venues & music festivals
in Manila where her following continues to grow.
The moment when Mishka moved from Manila's local star to an international artist came when she was invited as guest
artist at an event organised by the British Council (Manila) - a music spectacular 'Jazz in Time' featuring the UK jazz legend
Courtney Pine. Her impeccable rendition of Billie Holiday's signature song God Bless the Child, turned several industry
heads. A representative from CANDID Philippines office asked her for a demo which was immediately sent to Alan Bates in
London for approval and in barely two weeks, she was signed up to the label.
Her first album God Bless The Child (CANDID CCD 79799) was released in the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, in the UK and all over Europe in September 2005 to critical acclaim. Mishka's talents were
immediately recognised in Manila, where she was awarded a prestigious AWIT Award (equivalent to a Grammy) for “Best
Performance By A New Recording Artist” and an ALIW Award for “Best New Artist”.
Miss Adams subsequently relocated to London in January 2006 where she embarked on a year-long jazz postgraduate
course at the Guildhall School of Music and Dance. Mishka was the only singer on the course where she studied harmony,
composition, arranging and improvisation. During this time she also gained valuable experience with the Guildhall Jazz
Singers and Big Band.
Her latest album SPACE (CCD 79849) was a collaboration with trumpeter John Hoare's Quartet features ten originals, some
of which were co-written and arranged with John. It signified a musical maturation and blooming of a lyrical maturation far
beyond Mishka's 24 years. It also featured John Hoare's line up of world class musicians, a literal who's who of the British
jazz scene.
Now a fresh faced graduate and firmly fixed in the centre of the UK Jazz network Mishka is in the process of developing her
sound for a planned third album. No doubt this will lead her once again to the frontline of British contemporary Jazz
establishing her alongside the big hitters.
www.mishkaadams.com
www.myspace.com/mishkaadams
For all media enquires please contact Joe at Air, on 02073861600 or [email protected]
For general enquires please contact
James
at CANDID on 020 8834 7474 or [email protected]
Updated 04/07/08
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