Musical director Adam Blackstone spreads holiday cheer at City Winery

He told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that serving as a musical director for your favorite entertainers and award shows is not about writing sheet music but knowing how to pick the right musicians and having ongoing conversations with collaborators about how he can enhance their artistic vision.

“It’s not about me or my arrangements. It’s asking them what is the story they want to tell and bringing that to life through music,” Blackstone told the AJC.

“Each song is different. If I do jazz, it’s the rhythm section first, but I go for the drums first if it’s hip-hop. I’m a student of music, so I try to dive into the authenticity of whatever it is I’m doing.”

Credit: Byron Purnell

Credit: Byron Purnell

The sought-after musician and arranger is stepping out with his upright bass as headliner and bandleader for the Legacy Christmas concert at City Winery on Sunday. The show, which borrows its title from his first holiday project released in November 2023, features original and holiday tunes with appearances from Atlanta artists Darius “Dixson” Scott, Avery*Sunshine and a few surprise guests.

“It’s going to be an extravaganza. We’re celebrating the holidays with good music and giving the people some uplifting and inspirational joy,” Blackstone said.

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Dixson, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, said Blackstone’s gift is helping other artists and musicians recognize their potential in the studio and onstage.

“I love Adam. He brings the best out of everyone he works with, and I’m so happy to be playing at home with one of the titans in our industry,” Dixson said.

Blackstone was in town earlier this week as the opener for singer-pianist John Legend’s Christmas concert at the Fox Theatre. Avery*Sunshine, who joined Blackstone onstage at the Fox, said Blackstone is selfless when he works and treats his collaborators like family.

“He’s kind, accommodating and aware of your humanity. He always asks if key changes are OK and if my piano benches are fine. He notices your facial expressions during rehearsals and will stop,” Avery*Sunshine said.

“He takes the time to acknowledge how you’re feeling and will make sure you have what you need to deliver a good performance.

Last year, Blackstone contributed to adapting rapper Jeezy’s debut album, “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101,″ into orchestral arrangements for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

He said the goal for Jeezy’s show was to make sure the live version could attract his fans who enjoyed the raw sounds and emotions they hear on the album.

“Jeezy’s music has an overtone of triumph, so we wanted to make sure that when we incorporated the orchestra, they were adding color to enhance the songs that already go crazy,” Blackstone said.

Credit: Raftermen

Credit: Raftermen

That same weekend, Blackstone was pulling double duty handling Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show. He said he regularly has concurrent gigs that keep him in and out of airports.

“I hopped on a plane overnight to Jeezy and went right back to the Super Bowl. It’s always hectic to switch brains, but the quality of the music and performance always speaks for itself,” he said.

Growing up the son of a jazz musician in New Jersey, Blackstone started out on drums before picking up the bass guitar as his main instrument in high school. He said bass players help create a mood for the songs and is the guide for band members.

“The bass is the foundation that keeps the rhythm going. It’s the heartbeat of the band, and we have the power to change the quality of a chord or song with just a note,” he said.

Credit: Byron Purnell

Credit: Byron Purnell

Blackstone developed his chops performing and doing studio session work around Philadelphia. He started accompanying singers like Vivian Green and Jill Scott.

In 2007, he and his wife, Kaisha Blackstone, started BASSic Black Entertainment, a music staffing, live production and record company. He said the key to managing businesses with his spouse is prioritizing having a stable home.

“It’s tough, but we keep family first and seem to make it work,” he said.

Outside of his collaborations, Blackstone released his debut album, “Legacy,” on his label in 2022. He made his Broadway debut as music supervisor for “Hell’s Kitchen,” the jukebox musical based on the life and music of singer-pianist Alicia Keys, and followed that project as dance music supervisor for the revival of “The Wiz,” an all-Black version of “The Wizard of Oz.”

“Hell’s Kitchen” recently earned Blackstone a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. He said venturing into musical theater taught him to place less emphasis on sound and more on making sure each musical number is memorable.

“Lyrics and script tell the story more on Broadway than the music. It’s making sure the storylines fit each song and are impactful moments,” he said.

Blackstone is producing and arranging “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for the Super Bowl preshow in February in New Orleans featuring singer Ledisi for the song’s 125th anniversary.

Credit: TNS

Credit: TNS

His third time handling the preshow, he said having good relationships with artists and being at the right place at the right time are what make him in demand.

“It just so happens that I’m blessed to be working with some of the biggest artists in the world at the time that the Super Bowl is interested in them,” Blackstone said.

“It’s living in the best of both worlds.”

If You Go

Adam Blackstone: A Legacy Christmas. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791. citywinery.com

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