 Release Date: September 22, 2009 Label: Ripa Records |
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Notes & Personnel Info
Greg Adams (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Lee Thornburg (trumpet, flugelhorn,
and trombone)
Michael Paulo (alto and tenor saxophones)
Johnnie Bamont
(tenor and baritone saxophones)
James Wirrick (guitar)
Carmen Grillo
(guitar solo on "Stop")
Brian Allen (bass and cello)
Nick
Milo (piano); Evan Stone (drums)
Johnny Sandoval (percussion)
Steve
Blacke (violin and viola)
Greg Adams, Tom Bowes, Carmen Grillo, and
Lee Thornburg (background vocals on "jump, Shout and Holler")
Tom
Bowes Sean Holt, Lee Thornburg, and Darryl Walker( Lead Vocals)
Engineer: Carmen Grillo
Horns and Strings arranged by Greg Adams
Recorded at Big Surprise Studio, Encino California
Mastered by Carmen Grillo at Big Surprise Studio, Encino California
All songs co-written by Greg Adams except "Stop " (Jerry Ragovoy & Mort Shurman) Bop Drop written by Greg Adams
Producer: Greg Adams
Tower of Power alum Greg Adams doesn't need much evidence to prove he's one soulful "kat." The formation of East Bay Soul, his new album and the name of his newly formed musical ensemble, is Adams ' most creative ambition to date. It also is his most forward leap into funky R&B, one bearing a smidgen of the midnight serenades from his Firefly album ("What's It Gonna Be," "Five to Eleven"). He successfully carries the luster of "shake-your-hips" R&B into contemporary jazz territory. The irresistible nature of the album stands in its remarkable setup of half-instrumental jazz and half-vocal performances, each awakened by Tom Bowes and Sean Holt's blue-eyed soul vocals.
The album kicks off strongly with "Survival of the Hippest" and instantly takes listeners down a groovy voyage, a clear one up of the pop/blues group Chicago. Even better is "Always Take Two," a creamy band jam which rocks with a charming melody and an irresistible gospel pulse. The organ swirls and instrumental solos of "Always Take Two" are particular highlights. Other charmers include "Jump, Shout and Holler," the unpredictable soulful balladry of "iHope" and the heartbreaking romance of "Someone New." Ironically, Adams may be the lead trumpeter and major contributor on board, but the infusion of a blazing horn section, a comfortable rhythm department and contributing lead vocals take away much of his adorned spotlight. But that doesn't mean Adams has been cheated. He's surrounded by great tunes, a polished group and spot-on excitement, all bound to quicken the bulk of soul enthusiasts and jazz aficionados. In today's digital world, the East Bay Soul band deserves the kind of praises formally attributed to bands like Fourplay, even the Eagles and Chicago. Let's hope this isn't just a one-stint affair ~ J. Matthew Cobb
It’s the fifth solo project from Grammy and Emmy-nominated trumpeter/writer/arranger Greg Adams, and it is one heckuva soulful, funky ride! As one of the founding members of the legendary soul group Tower of Power, Mr. Adams has made sure that his band EAST BAY SOUL brilliantly captures the essence of a music genre unmistakably attached to San Francisco’s East Bay Area. It’s all at once both timeless and fresh, creating what will sure to be embraced as today’s R&B signature sound. EAST BAY SOUL is loaded with dynamics and energy, whether it’s the deeply passionate “Someone New,” featuring Tom Bowes’ soulful vocal work, or the full funk of Lee Thornburg’s treatment of the 1960’s gem “Stop.” This is one cookin’ collection of instrumental and vocal funk and soul. It’s not hard to see why Greg Adams’ EAST BAY SOUL is absolutely one of the premiere album releases of 2009! ~ SCOTT O'BRIEN
