Adam Jenkins began his musical odyssey as a fifth grader in Laramie, Wyoming, played in bands through high school and eventually studied Jazz at North Texas State for two years. Odysseys being what they are, Jenkins moved to University of Colorado (Boulder) where he graduated with a degree in molecular biology and then went on to study neurobiology at the University of Iowa- all the while playing in various college bands. When his journey took him to Philadelphia, Jenkins had the opportunity to connect with the cultural roots of Jazz playing as a full-time freelance musician with East Coast hard bop and avant-garde musicians and ensembles. It was in Philadelphia where he received his degree in Jazz studies from “Street” University.
While in Philadelphia he played in numerous ensembles including: The Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Big Band and The Philadelphia Composers Forum led by Khan Jamal. He played and composed for Sonic Liberation Front and can be heard on their first two albums (Water and Stone and Ashe a Go Go)
After moving to Davis in 2002, Jenkins decided to form his own band incorporating avant-garde approaches with a contemporary sound- thus The Ganbare Spirits Ensemble was formed. Having gathered a group of skillful like-minded musicians and playing in clubs, galleries and restaurants throughout the region, Jenkins decided to start a concert season allowing him to play free spirited music without the constraints imposed by playing in a restaurant or club.
The Ganbare Spirits Ensemble is molded in the style of the Duke Ellington band, each player is chosen for his or her personal style and the parts are composed with the individual players in mind.