LINER NOTES with David Bixler featuring Adam Birnbaum

LINER NOTES with David Bixler featuring Adam Birnbaum

From Liner Notes with David Bixler by David Bixler

May 1, 2026 · 26 min · Season 8 · Episode 11

About this episode

Adam Birnbaum discusses his latest project re-imagining J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier.

Since the mid-2000s, pianist Adam Birnbaum has been one of the most in-demand sidemen in jazz—anchoring ensembles for Cécile McLorin Salvant , Wynton Marsalis , and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra . But as a leader, he's charting a different course. His latest project, Preludes , takes on the monumental task of re-imagining J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier alongside bassist Matt Clohesy and percussionist Keita Ogawa . Today, join us as Adam breaks down the careful choices made in handling this historic body of work.

People in this episode

Host: David Bixler

Guest: Adam Birnbaum

Topics covered

  • jazz
  • music interpretation
  • piano
  • classical music
  • collaboration
  • musical analysis

Keywords

  • Adam Birnbaum
  • jazz pianist
  • Well-Tempered Clavier
  • Cécile McLorin Salvant
  • Wynton Marsalis
  • musical choices
  • Preludes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

Books & works: Preludes, J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier

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