Customer Reviews

Dance Of Love

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The good thing about being a male smooth jazz vocalists these days is that there isn't a lot of competition. Now, when I say smooth jazz vocalist I don't mean what most of the smooth jazz radio stations mean. They'll play Al Jareau and Luther Vandross and tell you that you're hearing smooth jazz. That being said, if you want to hear some true smooth jazz vocals you need to get yourself a copy of "Dance Of Love" by newcomer Tony Adamo. Tony's debut CD gives us a chance to listen to his very smooth and mellow (but not sleepy!) voice backed by some very fine orchestral arrangements. Providing background for Tony are Skip Mesquite, Steve (Doc) Kupka and Mic Gillette all from the great band, Tower of Power. Also joining Tony are Ernie Watts on sax, John Castalupes on bass and additional background vocals by Sandy Griffith. These professionals all combine for a unique sound in the smooth jazz world. They are a great accompaniment to Tony's rolling vocals on this album. Tony Adamo's voice has been compared to that of David Bowie and he does seem to possess a certain wavering lilt that brings back memories of Bowie from his heyday in the early to mid eighties. That's not to say that Tony Adamo is doing a David Bowie impersonation. Tony is all original down to being the songwriter and Executive Producer for this album. If I had any complaint about this album it would be that Tony seems to be holding back on us. I know he has more power and depth in him and I hope we get to see some of that next time out.

Artist: Tony Adamo
Title: Dance Of Love
Genre: Jazz/Vocals, Pop, Smooth, R & B
Label: Rhombus Records
Website: ...... Tony Adamo is the definition of the consummate smooth vocalist on his latest release <I>Dance of Love</I>. He sounds like a combination of Lou Rawls and David Bowie. Out of the ordinary as that may sound for a jazz vocalist it works very well.

The sound created on this recording happened for Adamo because he utilizes one of the most accomplished saxophone players in the business, Ernie Watts, as well as many other talented individuals.

I found it easy enough to step into Adamos worlds through his music. Midnight Café is one of the more expressive tracks on the album and the ambiance created is believable because of the singers well-timed vocal inflections and the stellar musicianship available for him to build his voice around. The common denominator here is love and how we all dance to it in a different way. It is equivalent to how we all have our own unique personalities and interpretations of daily life and how relationships with others effect us. Tony does a nice job making his point known through some very nice jazz music. This is crossover jazz that will appeal to both the contemporary and pop audiences alike.

There is not any new ground covered here, it is straightforward with no frills, which is comforting for many people when they listen to music. I like that aspect myself at times. I am sure once you hear this groove it will find its way back to your stereo on more than one occasion. Shall we dance?

©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
August 26, 2003

1. Ecstasy - 4:12 2. Midnight Café - 4:22 3. Mystery- 3:51 4. Hey Lou - 4:12 5. Rhythm of Your Love - 4:20 6. No Strings - 4:06 7. When Love Comes Over You - 4:40 8. Passport - 4:13 9. Calling - 4:28 10. Live for Your Love - 4:05 11. When Love Comes Out to Play - 4:08 12. Real Life- 4:16

Rating-4 / 5

Credits:

Rodney Franklin - Piano
Kenneth Nash - Percussion
David Austin - Piano, Keyboards
Mic Gillette - Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Horn Arrangements
Sandy Griffith - Vocals (bckgr)
Melecio Magdaluyo - Saxophone
Skip Mesquite - Saxophone
Michael Spiro - Percussion
Jerry Stucker - Guitar, Arranger, Programming, Producer, Engineer, Mixing
Ernie Watts - Saxophone
Linda Imperial - Vocals (bckgr)
Doc Kupka - Sax (Baritone)

Tony Adamo
Dance of Love
(Rhombus)

Smooth jazz is designed to mellow your day. It works even better than that when the singer adds passion and a genuine storyteller's charm. Tony Adamo creates interest and holds you to it through his suave manner. Most of the songs leave a romantic reminder that surrounds itself with contemporary instrumental sounds and background vocals. Adamo, who recalls the deep baritone of Lou Rawls and the vibrant passion of Tom Jones, makes life easy for loves who just want to agree on something for the moment. His portraits include wordless scatting and lyrical interpretation. Although several selections hamper an otherwise terrific program, Adamo leaves the impression that smooth jazz was designed with the magic of his vocal interpretations in mind. Horns add to the mix, and Ernie Watts enhances `Hey Lou' and `Midnight Café.' Soprano and alto saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo contributes to several selections, as backup singer Sandy Griffith lends strong support for the entire program...

Jim Santella
Reprinted with the permission from L.A. Jazz Scene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Adamo & Ernie Watts, two-time Grammy Award Winner, go #1

Singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo and two-time Grammy award winner, Ernie Watts have gone to the top of the Smooth Jazz Chart at soundclick.com. The song `Midnight Café,' featuring Ernie Watts and produced by Jerry Stucker, went to #1 July 14,2003 and # 4 on their Jazz Chart. This is the fourth #1 hit at soundclick.com for Adamo off his Rhombus Record release, DANCE OF LOVE.

Ernie Watts, the tenor saxophonist extraordinaire, has honed his unique sound to perfection. Ernie has played with the who's who of the music industry's elite: Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour to name a few. This summer finds Adamo and his producer Jerry Stucker finishing up new music and vocal tracts for his next CD release. The renowned Tower of Power Horns, Paul Jackson, (Headhunters) one of the world's greatest base players and percussionist Roberto Quintana are contributing to this outstanding musical effort. Tony Adamo is listed under artist, Adamo at soundclick.com. Adamo's website is found at [website]

Roc Armani of Urban Zone Productions recommended that I listen to this CD. Upon listening, I noticed that Adamo definitely has a smooth voice for Smooth Jazz. The CD is chock full of nice vibes and smooth groves. The recording gets plenty of support from established artists like saxophonist Ernie Watts and pianist Rodney Franklin. The tracks "Ecstasy" and "Passport" stand out as the highlight of this remarkable work. Once again, I can depend on San Francisco bay area artists to produce a great quality of work. "Dance of Love" is a class act. Well Recommended!!

The man sounds like Humperdinck. Get yor own style. Very poor.