Seven years after releasing his 1995 solo debut,
Hidden Agenda
, the famed trumpeter's interpretation of
Sade
's classic
"Smooth Operator"
is still an airplay staple at
smooth jazz
radio.
Adams
took a break from his usual session schedule with a who's who of contemporary
pop
music to release this long anticipated follow-up on his own independent label,
Ripa Records
. The incredible
airplay success of its first single,
"Roadhouse,"
generated a buzz which culminated in the signing of
to
Blue Note Records
. The incredible listener reaction to the song is no surprise -- its soulful horn section, performed by
and versatile saxophonist
Gary Herbig
, is reminiscent of the legendary arrangements
created in his many years with
Tower of Power
. With its exciting blend of cool, sexy ambience, gentle
jazz
, and intense modern
R&B
rhythms, the disc is chock full of other, somewhat more restrained tunes more along the lines of
"Smooth Operator."
These include the ethereal
ballad
"Andrea"
(inspired by
' wife) and the funky retro-
soul
-flavored title track. His own composing skills are strong, but he knows the enduring potential of great cover tracks, offering strong twists on
Toni Braxton
's
"Breathe Again"
and
the Police
"Wrapped Around Your Finger."
~ Jonathan Widran