Search - Mark Adams :: Asceticism - A Portrait of jazz

Real Smooth Jazz/Awesome and Rare

Rob Moore | Minneapolis, MN USA | 11/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...This release exemplifies all that is good about Smooth Jazz artists. He is a keyboardist without peer, and knows how to craft a song, which is a lost art in this world of cookie-cutter smooth jazz releases. This release also offers range, another sorely lacking component in Contemporary Jazz today. He can be soulful and introspective, as well as soulful and funky. He is a protégé of the great Roy Ayers, and appears to have studied hard. He is a throw back in terms of creativity, and yet I think this release represents the future as well, where vision, spirit and melody combine to create a record truly worth owning, and hearing often."

Don't Let This One Get Past You!

Tawana Hawkins | Akron, Ohio | 10/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whoever came up with the idea of a 'playlist' has done the general public a horrible disservice. There's a whole bunch of junk out there perpetrating a fraud. Having said that, had it not been for someone who really cared about this artist, this project might have been relegated to your local music store sale bin. This is just a small effort on my part to see that this cd does not meet such a horrible end. This artist is nothing short of absolutely incredible. At this point I've probably listened to this particular cd about 10 times all the way through. Why? I'm trying to figure out how come I haven't heard anything from it on the radio. Frankly, I'm at a complete and total loss for a plausible answer. There is something for everyone's musical taste here. Not only is he a gifted pianist he melds the different genre's involved within the jazz category smoothly and deftly. The experience he's had speaks for itself. It starts out with Der Gruen Mann which is German for the Green Man for those of you who don't know. The next song he dedicates to his mother and I would have to say the investment in piano lessons for this gentleman were well worth the money spent. You'll also find a lot of funk, a little reggae and everything else in between. I have told any and everyone that I associate with about this cd. I've already loaned out my copy and I'm hoping after other people read the reviews already written that it will encourage the music buying public to invest in this project. It's a shame that we have to start a grass root project to get this cd heard, but it is well worth the effort on our part. Pick it up today! You won't be sorry you did. If this man comes anywhere near the NE Ohio area, I will be the first in line to see him. I need to see for myself how this kind of magic plays to a live audience. Excellent cd! It's a shame that 5 is the highest rating that I can give it."

Wow, Finally New and Improved music

tnbrains | New York City, New York | 02/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to tell the world how much I enjoyed this album...this guy is really talented...his music is soul stirring and the production is tight...The package, the album cover is breath taking I can't stop looking at the professionalism...definitely a must for your collection...There is something in this collection for everyone...Can't wait to see him in concert..."