Born in New York in 1970, Adam Cruz was introduced to music at an early age by his father Ray Cruz, a well-known percussionist. Later, he studied with Keith Copeland at Rutgers University in New Jersey and Kenny Washington at the New School in New York City.

At the age of 20, he worked with Charlie Sepulveda, the Willie Colon Orchestra, quickly gaining recognition in New York Latin and Jazz circles. Since then, Cruz has gone on to record and tour with such noted groups as the Mingus Dynasty Big Band, David Sanchez Band, Leon Parker Band, Tom Harrell and Chick Corea's Origin Sextet. He's also performed with Mongo Santamaria, Airto Moreira, Herbie Mann and McCoy Tyner, Paquito D'Rivera and Eddie Palmieri.

He recently debuted his own working band in New York to enthusiastic response. Featuring Cruz's compositions and a combination of instrumental and vocal talent, the group engages listeners with material of surprising range and maturity that reflect his eclectic sensibilities.