Adrian Mears, born on May 1, 1969 in Waratah near Newcastle, Australia, is a trombonist and composer known for his contributions to modern jazz. He studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music until 1989, where he received awards as "Best Australian Trombonist" in 1992 and 1994. His band, Free Spirits, was recognized as the best Australian jazz group in 1990. Mears won the Australian Jazz Composition Competition in 1988 and 1992. He has collaborated with notable musicians such as Paul Grabowsky, Bernie McGann, and James Morrison. In 1992, he moved to Munich and played with Harald Rüschenbaum and Connexion Latina. Mears toured with McCoy Tyner's big band in 1994 and has worked with artists including Kenny Wheeler, Bob Brookmeyer, and Carla Bley. His albums include Discoveries (1993), All for One (1999), and Jump On In (2005). In 2004, he became a professor at the Basel Academy of Music, teaching trombone and ear training.
