Since 2009, and with five outstanding albums, trumpet player extraordinaire Greg Adams has been building his East Bay Soul creation into what is now the preeminent horn driven collective of its era. This hugely talented line-up, which over the years Adams has subtly rotated, has its roots firmly grounded in the uniquely soul based genre of San Francisco’s East Bay area and as a consequence delivers tight horn filled rhythms that are entirely timeless. Now, this founding member of the legendary Tower of Power is doing it all again with ‘The Real’ that hit the streets June 2 on Ripa Records.
At its core are the powerful horns, lush strings, and an all-star rhythm section that, for East Bay Soul, have become its calling card yet this time around the added emphasis of sweet soul vocals courtesy of Terrell Edwards provides the collection with a whole different feel.
In fact of the nine original compositions five have a vocal component with the first being ‘Dig A Little Deeper’. Crafted from a platform afforded by Herman Matthews on drums, this gritty number is the real EBS deal and talking of ‘real’ much the same can be said of the funk driven title cut that luxuriates in a bass laden groove powered by Del Atkins. This collective collaboration brings songwriters Adams, Nick Milo, Richard Smith and Tico Pierhagen together to sensational effect and with lyrics by Edwards it is a standout in an album crammed full of them
Edwards again works his magic with the feel good vibe of ‘Come And Gone’ yet in terms of personal vocal favourites the luscious R&B ballad ‘Baby, Please Stay’ is right up there with the best that ‘The Real’ has to offer. However, all things considered, the Smooth Jazz Therapy top track is the wonderful ‘100%’. Velvety horns sumptuous vocal and as easy grooving as you like this one has it all going on.
Turning to the instruments, the mid tempo magic of ‘Dreams Come True’ finds Adams’ flugelhorn never sounding better. It’s a tune that is beauty personified and much the same can be said of ‘Rear Window’ and although ‘Moment In Time’ is another brass infused powerhouse it is with ‘57th West’ that Adams takes the listener on an evocative late night stroll in uptown Manhattan.
For many reasons ‘The Real’ comes highly recommended. The writing and production partnership of Adams and Nick Milo has never been sharper and the chemistry that exists between the entire band comes shining through.
It is a total winner.
Easy Bay Soul are Greg Adams, Michael Stever: trumpet and flugelhorn, Johnnie Bamont, Ed Wynne: saxes, Terrell Edwards: lead vocals, Nick Milo: keyboards, Richard Smith: guitar, Herman Matthews: drums, Del Atkins: bass