Born in Morristown, NJ, Mike Adamo began drumming on pots and pans in the kitchen when he was two years old. At age eight, he switched over to a practice pad and sticks. Mike went on to study rudimental technique, jazz, latin, funk, and rock with New Jersey educators Andy Delucca and the great Joe Bergamini. Early on, he was most inspired by jazz pioneers such as Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams. He then began to draw influence from funk greats including David Garibaldi, Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo Starks, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Steve Ferrone. Soon, the power and intention of John Bonham would infuse his playing and help crystallize his style.
Mike is perhaps most well known for his powerful yet intricately understated rock drumming with the legendary rock n roll/hip hop/neo-blues band, Mama’s Cookin’. He has toured and recorded extensively as a founding member of the group. Through a decade of relentless touring, Mike has developed an uncanny ability to draw energy from the audience and channel it back to them ten-fold. This results in extremely kinetic performances for whatever band Mike is backing at the time. His main goal as a drummer is to provide a rock-steady foundation for the rest of the band, while helping deliver the music to the ears and souls of the listeners.
Mike spent years performing with various jazz big bands, as well as small combos. He currently performs/tours with the internationally acclaimed Peter Joseph Burtt and the King Tide (world/blues/dub), Mama’s Cookin’ (rock n’ roll/hip hop/neo-blues), The Funky Miracle (a tribute to New Orleans funk pioneers, The Meters), The Gravity Pimps (1960’s-1970’s era funk/ soul throw- back), The Ben Fuller Band (power pop/indie rock), The Truth Cartel (funk/jazz/fusion), The Emily Tessmer Band (pop/rock), and The LifePoint Church Praise Band (praise/gospel). Mike is also an active independent session drummer.
As an educator, Mike has maintained an active teaching schedule for the past decade. As an author, Mike has recently released his first book, The Breakbeat Bible, in association with Hudson Music. The book presents a unique approach to the fundamentals of breakbeat drumming. It provides drummers with insight on keeping the acoustic drumset relevant in the post-modern digital age. The Breakbeat Bible has been extremely well received in the international drumming community. In addition to receiving a 5-star review in Modern Drummer magazine, it was voted 2nd place in the 2012 Modern Drummer Reader’s Poll for Best Educational Book. The book’s popularity is increasing exponentially as it continues to educate and inspire thousands of drummers around the world. Mike is also a contributing writer for Modern Drummer. His 6-part Funk Drumming Education Series can be found throughout the 2013 issues of the magazine. Mike proudly endorses Spaun drums and Vater drumsticks.
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