Summer 2024

72 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 I t’s a testament to his innate talent and work ethic that in just four years, this young musician has established himself in the area as a go- to guitarist for just about any musical style imaginable. “I do enjoy stepping into as many boxes as I can,” Astrup says, “but jazz is probably home for me and what I spend the most time practicing, listening to and playing.” A Minnesota native, he came to California after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado’s jazz program to join his girlfriend, Monterey native singer Miranda Perl, in 2020. Right in the middle of the pandemic. “Everything was closed,” he recalls. So, he did landscaping jobs until gigs started coming in. And now, they come in quite regularly. Astrup currently performs with several different ensembles, including bassist Zach Westfall’s band, composer/pianist/saxophonist Gary Meek’s group of top jazz players, and he gigs with Perl. “I’m also jumping in and subbing for different bands around town.What I love the most is trying to fit what I do into a given setting, group and whatever the band leader is trying to do, as a sideman.” But he’s taking the reins as a leader as well with his recent release, “Songs from Before.” For more information, visit www.adammastrup.com. — Michael Chatfield MUS I C I AN PROF I L E Adam Astrup Photo: Kelli Uldall