Greg Adams
-
Cool
To The Touch
"Tower
of Power" is a band with a long history. A lot of their band
members are well-known and popular as solo-instrumentalists like David
Mann, Brandon Fields, Richard Elliot, Barry Danelian and more. Most
significant is the sound of the group. With 22 years Greg Adams became
a member of this famous group. "Touring with Tower of Power
really opened some incredible doors for me. Not to sound braggadocios,
but name any musician and I’ve probably worked with them. It’s
been an incredible ride…" Adams is a founding member of Tower of Power recording fourteen albums with the group on four major labels and millions in record sales.
Responsible for the sound as lead trumpet player, arranger and
composer he was the main sound-architect of the group.
Greg has arranged for, performed and recorded with countless artists as diverse as his career, including The Eurythmics, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Lyle Lovett, Phish, Linda Ronstadt, Luther Vandross, Little Feat, Aaron Neville, Santana, Everclear, Quincy Jones, Huey Lewis and the News, Wilson Pickett, Heart, Josh Groban, Bonnie Raitt, Dionne Warwick, Madonna and The Rolling Stones.
As solo-artist he has recorded Hidden Agenda (1995),
Midnight Morning (2002) and Firefly (2004). Now he is back with his
brand-new album "Cool To The Touch" (2006). The first album
was released on the Epic label which dropped the whole jazz
department. That was the reason that his second album was released not
before 2002. After a lot of bad experience with major labels Greg
Adams decided to release his new album on his own label Ripa Records.
Felix The Cat is
the first tune on the album which is already released as single.
Visitors of Greg's website can sample that tune. Richard Elliot, Eric
Marienthal, Boney James, Mindi Abair and Johnnie Bamont are performing
on this tune and making this tune to a historical sound document and
vibriant sax monument.
On the slow It's Only Love,
Love Greg Adams shines again with his muted. trumpet. A
short guitar solo is contributed by James Wirrick, Greg's songwriting
partner and guitarist in his band.
The title says it all: One
Night In Rio. A Bossa tune with some Brazilian
feeling. This tune Greg wrote with Nick Milo, who is a former
keyboard player with Tower of Power and now plays with Joe Cocker.
Milo's keyboard session is one of the finest. The drum programming is
polished up to the end of the tune.
Highlight of the album is Life
In The Key Of Blue. On this tune Greg Adams jams with Tom
Scott on a hot and uncompromising rhythm.
On Cool To The Touch
Greg Adams is supported by Vinnie Coliauta, Lee Sklar and Paul
Jackson Jr.. Anew Greg's muted trumpet is the fantastic lead
instrument backed by a great horn section arranged by the master
himself.
Hi-Fi is a good
example that Greg Adams understands his muted trumpet as the transporter
of a melody. While absolutely perfect in his performance he mostly
avoids to improvise what makes his album radiolike.
Powerful keyboard.chords and a deep-sounding
bass-line are fitting perfectly to Greg Adams' muted trumpet on Hermosa.
If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
is a cover version of Sting's great hit from his album
"Ten Summoners Day" (1993). A real pop classic wrapped by
Greg in musical gift-box.
Those who loves tasty Latin rhythm will adore Bongo
Baby. There is so much fire in this appealing song.
When The Party Is Over finalizes
the album with a silky string-powered melody.
There are many trumpet players in the scene, but
only one Greg Adams. Don't miss this album, a musical spirit of the
age.
