Back On Track

Album Review

Tennessee-born, Los Angeles-based singer/guitarist Adams, who has been a sideman for the better part of four decades, is billed to sing like an angel (he is from that City) and play guitar like a man possessed. It's not hard to buy. His vocalizing has a sweet, soulful quality ala Robert Cray or at times Bobby Bland. And his electric six string takes definite cues from his idol, B.B. King, who employs Adams at his L.A. club and shows up on two of these tracks.

Adams wrote 3/4 of these slick tunes, typically ranging from straight mid-tempo to downhearted blues about women. "Honda Betty" is as contemporary a theme as you'll find, and there are some T-Bone Walker-like shuffles as on "Jumpin' The Gun" and the cookin' "Good, Good, Good." Some fine horn charts punctuate five cuts, back-up vocals on two, and B.B. cameos on "Get You Next to Me," and the signature slow "Long Haul." A personal "Rehabilitation Song" speaks of being in a halfway house and the abuse that preceded it, pleading for forgiveness.

The final selection "Backup Man" could be a double entendre, expressing frustration about being a part time lover or a star in the shadows. Adams has many redeeming qualities on a restrained blues and contemporary pop level. Perhaps a live recording will reveal more from this gifted musician who perfectly reflects the carefree attitude of his adopted home. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi