Photo: Rick Horn

Bio

 Adrian “Ace” Engfer is a musician’s musician. From his early years in Santa Cruz, CA studying classical violin to his formal musical education at Humboldt State University under master bassist Shao Way Wu to the past 15 years in Colorado performing with touring acts (including Grant Farm, Kind Hearted Strangers and Madeline Hawthorne) Ace has established himself on the national stage as a sought after bandmate and valued hired gun.

Ace has contributed to various bands' album projects, most notably Grant Farm, who released four studio albums and one live album between 2012-2020 before taking an indefinite hiatus during the “Ronaissance”. Alongside bandleader, mentor, and National Flatpicking Champion Tyler Grant, he gained invaluable experience playing American Roots Music, Rock n Roll, Country, and Bluegrass, and developed a playing style and finesse that is recognized Coast-to-Coast.

But it took a worldwide shutdown to allow Ace the opportunity to record his debut album ‘Brave & Free’ at Swingfingers Studio in Fort Collins, CO with the incomparable Aaron Youngberg. Having worked with Youngberg many times, he felt comfortable to explore these 11 heartbreaking original songs that give the listener a glimpse into the last few years of uncertainty.

‘Brave & Free’ is a deeply personal album centered around themes of Loss, Mortality and the Unknown–universal experiences that will resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Touching on musical genres that Ace has explored with past projects, ‘Brave & Free’ is a journey into American Music (Americana) that will captivate and intrigue the most discerning ear.

“Tonight, I’m gonna sing songs that will make you cry. And harmonize melodies to dry your eyes.”