Search - Greg Adams :: Fire Fly

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 11/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Greg is one smooth operator, and one of the hottest players in Smooth Jazz. And I mean hot in every way possible. Not just his arrangements and musicianship, but everything from his platinum coiffure, to his snazzy attire; from his affectionate demeanor in person to his artful horns that actually look more like fine art than instruments. He's just got a way about him that oozes smooth and hip. This from the guy that knows exactly "What Is Hip." The former Tower of Power trumpeter has been turning heads in our format for a decade and this new release is no exception. Again, the term that comes to mind, is HOT (all caps). Sizzling, in fact. From the first/title track, which is a current hit, the infectious, "Firefly," this listener is hooked. Put this in your car for your morning commute and you'll want to just keep driving. My favorite thing about Greg Adams' albums is his sensitivity to song order. His tracking creates an over all sense of continuity and consistency that makes for an ideal listening experience. The progression on FIREFLY is divine. The entire album is captivating, as only a Greg Adams CD can be, so singling out songs is tough, but we really dig the fun "5 North" (because we know where this road leads), the sensual "The Crossing," (next single?) and the elegant and sophisticated, "She's Still Waiting," Tower fans check out "Love Motive." Smooth Jazz fans, buy this record, it's an essential!  ~Sandy Shore"

Spoiled Occasion

A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 01/08/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I love Greg Adams' tone. Whether playing muted trumpet or the open horn, his tone and style of playing are first rate. He is a gifted musician with a knack for writing catchy melodies with bounce, vibe and groove. What spoils this recording for me is the electronic drums, bass and keyboards. They manage to weigh this music down to the point of suffocating the life right out of these wonderful tracks. The lively brass section manages to keep this music afloat but Adams deserves much better. He should lose the programming and get live musicians to play this music and I guarantee that this disc will crackle like a roaring forest fire. Greg sounds great throughout this disc, but the musical experience is short lived because the vibe is so mechanical and soul-less. This talented musicain needs to hook up with a great bassist (like a Brian Bromberg or Nathan East) and strong drummer (like a Omar Hakim or David Garibaldi). A vibrant pianist (like a Joe Sample or David Benoit) who uses electronics for background colorations would breath new life into this music. With a good band vibing with him, Mr. Adams can then stretch out and soar to musical heights not achieved here. Come on Greg, Get it done!!!"