Search - Greg Adams :: Cool To The Touch

Very cool, indeed !

jazzmusikeditor | U.K. | 05/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an appealing album where Greg Adams produces a successful and unmistakably current ambience via '60' jazz feelings and new compositions.

The overall effect is smooth, calming and seductive, pleasant rather than attention grabbing, but nevertheless well worth consideration.

Not only does traditional mix with contemporary, but hints of latino, traditional jazz, pop, R&B and funk intertwine through the tracks.

The CD starts with the downbeat "Felix The Cat", a mellow number that sets the ambience for part of the CD.

It is notable that Greg does not immediately use his playing to impose on the listener's attention, but gently slides into this very melodic piece, by the end of which no-one is in doubt of his capabilities.

"Life In The Key Of Blue" could be the theme for this whole collection. This is a smooth-but-funky track which melts Greg's trumpet with Tom Scott's tenor sax.

"Bongo Bay" is a sensuous piece where Greg's playing creates a melody line which is both rich and simple, with Latin-American resonances.

The title track - "Cool To The Touch" - is perhaps the nearest to pure jazz on the CD and is definitely the coolest.

It is a skilful and sensitive interweaving of the instruments and musicians like Vinnie Coliauta, Lee Sklar and Paul Jackson Jr., for me, that produces the most memorable track.



Greg Adams (trumpet and flugelhorn); Paul Jackson Jr (guitar); Vinnie Colaiuta, Evan Stone (drums); Leland Sklar, Brian Allen (bass); Nick Milo (keyboards, strings, bass, drums) James Wirrick (guitar, harmonica, keyboards, bass, drums) Mindy Abair, Eric Marienthal (alto saxophones); Tom Scott, Richard Elliot, Boney James (tenor saxophones); Johnnie Bamont (baritone saxophone); Johnny Sandoval (percussion); Ana Robles (vocal)."