Urbanzone Productions

Fred E. Harris

Soulman singer, Tony Adamo and his long time Guitarist/ Producer Jerry Stucker were at it again at Different Fur Recording Studio, San Francisco, CA. They created some very hip combustible soul music for Adamo’s upcoming new CD release in ’09. Melecio Magdaluyo who plays with Pete Escovedo, The Whispers, John Santo and Bobby Matos wrote original horn arrangements and played the flute and sax on two of Adamo’s new tunes. Melecio brought in Henry Hung to fill out the bill playing on trumpet and trombone. Adamo continues to expand his musical voice and along with his producer are continuing to bring in superb session players who are outstanding artists in their own right. Engineer for this recording session was Rick Perez.

Mic Gillette who wrote the original horn arrangement for “No Strings” is one of those outstanding musicians. “No Strings” is a free wheeling romp of a funk horn section lead by Gillette and anchored by Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka, both of Tower of Power fame. Adamo’s in your face kool vocals propelled “No Strings” to be played on over 500 Radio Stations most recently KISS FM 102.7, Los Angles and WNUA 95.5, Chicago. Both have added Adamo’s “No Strings” to their independent artist’s playlist.

For more info on artist Tony Adamo, go to:

www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

San Francisco, CA

Dr. Groove, Steve Gadd was groovin’ high on two of singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo’s new tunes, “Cold Duck” and “Ecstasy.” Jerry Stucker, Adamo’s long time producer got these hot tracks from Gadd. The Groove Dr. set the pace with a smooth, funky pulse around Adamo’s voice building a wall of chilled out grooves that permeated the recording studio. This new and extraordinary drum sound fused Adamo’s funky sensibility and rhythmic singing style with Gadd’s in the pocket drum precision. You just might find a couple of hits here. These two new songs will be on Adamo’s new CD release in ‘09.

Steve is one of the most in-demand and influential drummers in the world. This master drummer has played or recorded with the likes of Chick Corea, Paul McCartney, Al Jarreau, James Brown, Lee Ritenour and Stevie Wonder just to name a few.

Music critics have said the following about Adamo:

“Impressive is an understatement. Adamo’s stylish and signature vibrato tinged voice adds a truly bright dimension to all he endeavors to be set to song.” Ronald Jackson of Jazzreview.com

“Tony Adamo’s voice is like Lou Rawls fronting Tower of Power.” Stuart Hamilton of Amazon.co.uk.

“Tony Adamo’s STRAIGHT UP DEAL CD reveals the vocal talents of a superior singer.” Edward Blanco of Ejazznews.com.

Info on Tony Adamo: www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo and CDBaby

]]> http://bandweblogs.com/guestbloggers/2008/08/25/tony-adamo-and-steve-gadd-groovin-high/feed/ 0 http://bandweblogs.com/guestbloggers/2008/06/18/tony-adamo-reviewed-by-jazzreviewcom/ http://bandweblogs.com/guestbloggers/2008/06/18/tony-adamo-reviewed-by-jazzreviewcom/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:46:27 +0000 Fred E. Harris http://bandweblogs.com/guestbloggers/2008/06/18/tony-adamo-reviewed-by-jazzreviewcom/ Record Label: UrbanzoneRecords

Style: Soul / Funk Jazz

Review by Ronald Jackson-Jazzreview.com
www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo
Jazz vocalist Tony Adamo struts back with his silky, charismatic, and, as I’m sure many ladies will confirm, seductive vocals on this clever new release Straight Up Deal. While I’ve classified this recording as smooth jazz, it really serves up equal doses of funk, smooth jazz, and R&B. There are also elements of island rhythms and cool, piano-bar jazz. A true cornucopia of coolness in each genre.

I first became quite interested in Adamo’s talents after hearing his croonings with funkster/former Herbie Hancock Head Hunter bassist Paul Jackson. Impressive is an understatement. His stylish and signature vibrato-tinged voice adds a truly bright dimension to all he endeavors to set to song.

On this album, Adamo calls in the Tower of Power horns, Paul Jackson, Ernie Watts, Eddie Henderson, and Freddie Washington, just to name a very few. The additions toss more color on this vibrant canvas. This project includes a cool rendition of the classic “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “In the Winelight,” which calls to mind the omnipresent spirit of the great Grover Washington Jr., and “Hey Lou,” a tune on which he and Paul Jackson also groove on Jackson’s Funky Fingers album. There’s also new vibrant funk like “No Strings.” Adamo consistently lights it up, showing his grasp of the various genres and his ability to manipulate, caress, and mold them into what fits for him…and us. I’ve seen that other reviewers of this album are a bit partial to the rhythmic, island-flavored “Lolita.” I must join the chorus of favorable reviews of this cut, as well as many of the other selections. It’s a contagious little number. In fact, the entire diverse project has a considerable amount of magnetism to it. Well done, indeed.Tony Adamo is on CDBABY.com

Press Release by UrbanZone Productions

Fred E. Harris, New York City

Singer-songwriter, Tony Adamo’s long time producer-guitarist, Jerry Stucker and drumming icon, Mike Clark were in New York City at the Bedford Studios laying down tracks for Adamo’s new CD. Andy Tommasi assisted producer, Jerry Stucker at the Quad Eight board. Clark gained worldwide fame as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock’s group, The Headhunters. It is widely accepted that Clark is one of the few in the category of Elvin Jones and Tony Williams to have changed the fundamental language of the drums.

Clark recently recorded on Tony Adamo’s CD, STRAIGHT UP DEAL. Adamo’s been getting rave reviews. No wonder, top musicians dig his music and want to record with him. Stuart Hamilton of Amazon.co.uk said “The first thing that leaps out at you is the voice. Imagine, if you can, Lou Rawls fronting Tower of Power.” Sandy Shore of Smoothjazz.com put Adamo on the same note with Santana, Jefferson Airplane/Starship and Tower of Power and a whole handful of jazz greats. She said “Singer-songwriter, Tony Adamo fits perfectly in the fray with his deep, sultry, commanding voice and grasp for the groove. Think Lou Reed but funkified.”

Producer-guitarist, Jerry Stucker recently released his first solo CD, IT’S ALL A GROOVE on UrbanZone Records. Michael Molenda of Guitar Player magazine says of Stucker’s guitar playing “At a time when so many players claim to be funky, Jerry Sucker is not only FUNKY, but he’s a one-man encyclopedia of slinky, skanky, rock steady and greasy rhythms. His guitar tone is sparkling, and his parts always stab and dance all over the rhythm, finding ways to propel, accent and add excitement to a song’s groove.”

You can buy Tony Adamo’s music at Amazon.com

More info – www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

Press Release by UrbanZone Productions

Franki LaMantia, San Francisco, CA
www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

Singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo’s song, “No Strings” from his STRAIGHT UP DEAL release on UrbanZone Records has recently been added to newclearchannel.com music site.

Clear Channel Communications is the largest owner of full power AM/FM radio stations in the United States. Clear Channel has made “No Strings,” (produced by Jerry Stucker) available to its radio programmers across the U.S. Adamo’s funky groove music is getting outstanding radio airplay and reviews from all over the world.

Stuart Hamilton at Amazon.co.uk wrote, “The first thing that leaps out at you is Adamo’s voice. Imagine if you can, it’s like Rou Rawls fronting Tower of Power.”

With this being said, the unique funky sound on “No Strings” was locked in by Mic Gillette, a Tower of Power band member for more than nineteen years. Mic’s stellar horn arrangement (utilizing the horn section of past and present members of TOP including Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka and Skip Mesquite), is pure smooth groove that sets up the dynamic blending between Adamo’s voice and the rhythm section.

Edward Blanco of Ejazznews.com wrote “STRAIGHT UP DEAL reveals the vocal talents of a superior singer.” Sandy Shore of Smoothjazz.com gave STRAIGHT UP DEAL a rating of 5 Stars and said, “Think of Adamo as Lou Reed but-funkified.”

Tony Adamo – Straight Up Deal

Click on CD cover to listen or purchase

Tony Adamo stays on track with Soul Tracks-www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo
Sitting in the jazz café along with a few friends, sipping Chamomile tea, singer/visual artist Tony Adamo enters the stage offering us a sweet deal. He is offering his latest 14-track fusion CD, Straight Up Deal. What is his recipe? Add a taste of Michael Beck, sample some Santana, throw in the sentiment of Miles Davis, the style of Grover Washington, Jr. and the Lou Rawls-like vibrato of Tony Adamo. There you have it: an eclectic, high energy project of jazz, R&B, soul and funk.

He allowed us a taste of his dish with an introduction of a few of his powerful featured guest artists, such as Doc Kupka (Tower Of Power) and Ernie Watts on sax, Eddie Henderson on trumpet and Paul Jackson on bass guitar. The appetizer, “No Strings,” displayed his funky, jazz side. The main course was assorted with several classic remakes: “Winelight” (instrumental piece made famous by Grover Washington); Miles Davis’ “Milestones” and Joe Zawinul’s “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” With such a passionate band and Tony’s funky, R&B voice we were begging for more. He quenched our thirst with “Midnite Café.”

As he closed, he offered us another deal – dessert- with complimentary copies of his latest project. As a singer, but also, a visual artist, he took personal interest in the creativity of his CD packaging. It was stylishly designed, with a nice headshot on the cover and the Northern California Bay Area city nightlife as the backdrop on the back. Tony Adamo, and his band reflects that real musicians are here to stay, still offering talent and stellar performances.

This CD is a Straight Up Deal. Recommended by soultracks.com

San Francisco, CA

UrbanZone Records

Funk Rhythm Matrix, Mike Clark rolled into Red Star Recording Studio, Silver Lake, California this week to lay down some drum tracks for Tony Adamo’s new untitled CD being produced by Jerry Stucker. Clark’s Prescription Renewal Band is in California for a few dates with three-time Grammy winner, Delbert McClinton. Mike’s work with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters particularity the music track “Actual Proof” has solidified his place in Funk history. Mike Clark is the most sampled drummer in Hip Hop music today.

Mike also plays on “Passport,” one of the outstanding tracks on Tony Adamo’s current CD release, STRAIGHT UP DEAL. In the last year this tune has made it to over fifty radio playlists. The lineup on this chart busting tune is: Mike Clark, drums, Neil Larsen, piano, Eddie Henderson, trumpet, Freddie Washington, bass, Jerry Stucker, guitar and Tony Adamo vocals and spoken word. “Passport” was also featured on Paul Jackson’s CD, FUNK ON A STICK. Along with Herbie Hancock, Paul Jackson was a founding member of the Headhunters.

For more info on Tony Adamo: www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

The key to great listening is variety and great song selection. — D. Oscar Groomes

O’s Place Jazz Newsletter P.O. Box 38430 Charlotte, NC 27278 http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com

Tony Adamo-www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

Below is a list of the songs in this weeks rotation:
SoulRadioonline.com 1-10-08
Dave Stahl-Squib Cakes
Huey Lewis & The News-The Heart Of Rock & Roll
Tony Adamo-Groove Therapy
Big Band Der Bundeswehr-Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mic Gillette-Funky Good Time
Strokeland Superband-Just In Case You Wondered
Gov’t Mule-What Is Hip?
Larry Braggs-Willin’ To Learn
Mark Dolin-The Parkin’ Lot Hang
Richard Elliot-The Boys From The Bay
Luis Miguel-Que Nivel De Mujer
Jazz Rosco-Sloopy Joe’s
Euge Groove-Play Date
Norbert Stachel-Likeside Shuffle
Poncho Sanchez-Squib Cakes
Brandon Fields-Studio Cafe Blues
Greg Adams-Mahdi (The Expected One)
Ron E. Beck-Everythings Gonna Be Alright
Huey Lewis & the News-Function At The Junction
Chester Thompson-Mr. T
Soulpatrol-Soul With A Capital “S”
Jazz Police-Tower Tribute
Tower of Power-You Ought To Be Havin’ Fun
Heavy Metal Horns-You’re Still A Young Man
Strokeland Superband-Kick It Up A Step
The Doobie Brothers-Long Train Running
Nettai Tropical Jazz Big Band II-Squib Cakes
Barela-Tower Pops
Mann Brothers-Use It or Lose It
Men From Uncle-What Is Hip?
Doctor Funk-Livin In Bump City
Horny Funk Brothers-Come Together
Tower of Power-Don’t Change Horses (In The Middle Of A Stream)
Francis Rocco Prestia-Double Identity
Funk’en Flames-Diggin’ on James Brown
New York Horns-Bring That Friend Of Yours
Chad Rager Groove-Squib Cakes
Bruce Conte-Bump It Up
Barry Danielian-Common Ground
Carmen Grillo-Come To A Decision
Tower Of Power-Down To The Nightclub
Candy Dulfer-Drop It In The Slot
Jeff Tamelier-E & J 4 Way
Yoichi Murata Solid Brass-Squib Cakes
Tower of Power-So I Got To Groove
Lon Bronson-What Is Hip?
Various Artists-Flash In The Pan
Lenny Williams-Here’s a ticket
East 4th Horns-I’m Gonna Make You Love Me
Matt Catingub, New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra-Squib Cakes

Visit website: www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo

Tony Adamo at All About Jazz

Marketing/UrbanZone Records

The world’s #1 on-line Smooth Jazz destination has given Tony Adamo’s new CD, STRAIGHT UP DEAL a five star rating. Sandy Shore, president and founder of Smoothjazz.com says the following about Adamo’s CD: “There’s a mystique to the San Francisco bay area at night that’s unique to the City by the Bay. Over the years many artists have captured this vibrant, earthy electricity and stuck it in the middle of their music…Santana, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Tower of Power come to mind and a whole handful of jazz greats. Bay Area singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo fits perfectly into this fry with his deep, sultry, commanding voice and grasp for groove. Think Lou Reed but funkified.”

You can find Sandy’s review on Itunes and you can dig Tony’s music at the Listening Loft at Smoothjazz.com.