Now it’s official. Ripa Records will release ‘East Bay Soul 2.0’ by trumpeter and songwriter Greg Adams on February 28, 2012. His signature sound is stamped front back and center over the album’s ten choice tracks which, comprising an equal mix of instrumental and vocal songs, prove to be a fine blend of funk, jazz, R&B and soul.
With a nod to the music Adams loves, and inked in his own inimitable style, he has created a collection that is both relevant and fresh. Indeed Greg takes the listener on an incredible ride that is groove driven, woven with his trademark horn melodies and, along the way, includes some wonderful soul drenched vocals. Make no mistake, these are songs that are often dynamic, sometimes dreamy, occasionally cinematic but all entirely to fall in love with.
Greg’s musical journey has spanned nearly four decades. He is a founding member of Tower Of Power and legendary for the arrangements that made the TOP horn section a sought out entity all its own. Greg has been a driving force in defining artistry that transcends musical genres and is invariably at his best when exploring new artistic destinations.
In what defines who he is, Adams, through his own arrangements, possesses the natural talent to produce the beauty of harmony and expression of emotion. It is these elements that makes ‘East Bay Soul 2.0’ what it has turned out to be and as Greg himself comments, “I was surprised to see how many ballads I ended up with, but I’m really happy I did. I was also happy to have all the songs ready before the first down beat, so it really gave me the freedom to flesh everything out and let the songs breathe.”
This very special recording boasts the full strength of rhythm and horn sections which variously deliver percussive up-tempo instrumentals and lush romantic ballads. The fact they are embellished by velvety vocals from the always excellent Darryl Walker simply adds to the charm.
The material is typified by a sense of adventure and this is well demonstrated by the opening cut, ‘The Getaway’, which is characterized by a sense of urgency that is totally its own. Elsewhere the aptly titled ‘Brassalicious’ is described by Adams as a “Horn Attack” and although the album’s only cover is a stunning rendition of the timeless groove anthem ‘What’s Goin’ On’, the input of Darryl Walker makes this classic tune sound brand new.
The Track Listing for ‘East Bay Soul 2.0’ is as follows. Check back here soon for a complete review.
- ‘The Getaway’
- ‘The Love Of My Life’
- ‘To Catch A Thief
- ‘Back To Oakland’
- ‘Brassalicious’
- ‘Once And For All’
- ‘What’s Goin’ On’
- ‘The Devil You Know’
- ‘Carry On’
- ‘I’m Comin’ Home
