Search - Johnny Adams :: Man of My Word

Swansong From Vocal Genius

Len Romano | Albuquerque, NM | 12/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Adams passed away on September 14th 1998. Just before he died, he left us with an album. An album which, I believe, everyone reading this article should own. I was honoured to have been asked to contribute the sleevenotes to this album, back in April 1998. Here is an excerpt from those sleevnotes;Johnny Adams - Man Of My Word - Rounder RecordsNobody holds a note, and ends a note like Johnny Adams. Nobody. In fact, nobody does anything with a note like Johnny Adams, for he truly is one of the most unique, versatile, and downright talented singers to have drawn breath in the last 70 years.The CD you are holding in your hand is something very special. Sure, it's a new release by Johnny Adams and a triumphant one at that, as it marks his return to the styles of music he first became known for - R&B and Soul. Yes, it's beautifully sung from start to finish and the musicians' empathy between each other, and the singer, will take your breath away. Of course, Scott Billington's production job is alive, wide open and faultless. And naturally the choice of songs is excellent too. I'm just stating the obvious here because these are the things we've come to expect when the above combinations of talent gather in one room to make music. No - the reason I rate this album as special is because together they have created a MASTERPIECE.Find that hard to believe? A rapid, over-zealous, burst of enthusiasm maybe? On the contrary, I listened repeatedly to this collection of songs, and each time I was once again moved, once again floored, and once again amazed at how much I'd missed the last time. Playing any of the tracks over and over revealed a previously unheard nuance, lick, or phrase, which threw the song into a whole new dimension. Unfortunately, things like this don't occur with a new release very often, but I soon realized this album was taking me to a higher plateau. A plateau only accessed by being visibly moved from an artists work. This collection immediately stands alongside the cream of classic soul albums made in the last 35 years.Johnny Adams is always on fine vocal form, that's a given, but whether he was motivated by something spiritual or spurred on by the quality of the musicians - I don't know. What I do know is that Johnny has rarely sounded better than he does on this fabulous set. His voice is strong, powerful, elastic, and above all drenched with soul.The group of musicians assembled here are a real `dream team', each having a thorough love, respect and understanding of how soul music works. They play with such depth of feeling that I find myself comparing them to the Stax and Muscle Shoals groups from soul's heyday, when spaces were just as important as notes. Walter `Wolfman' Washington makes his first appearance on wax, backing Johnny, since his cameo appearance on 1993's 'Good Morning Heartache'. Together with Memphis guitar legend Michael Toles, the two make an unbeatable combination. Keyboard work comes via another music legend, David Torkanowsky, who's playing is as elegant and graceful as ever. The rock-solid drum and bass heartbeat of this amazing band are supplied by the telepathically connected Donell Spencer and George Porter, Jr. Lastly, the tear-stained horns provided by Scott Thompson, Jim Spake, and Craig Klein are just out of this world and at times, I think they even out-Memphis the Memphis Horns.Buy this CD and pay your last respects to one of Soul Music's real giants."

Saving the Best for Last

Jack Cotrel | Tennessee | 12/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Johnny Adams while watching the John Larroquette Show on TV. John L. went to a Jukebox and played "The Real Me" from Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus. I've been hooked every since. I have every album Johnny recorded and what a shame there will be no more. But when you listen to "Man of My Word" you will know that Johnny knew it would be his last. It is truly his best. The last track "Never Alone" is one of the most inspirational tracks you'll ever hear. It's a fitting farewell for one of the truly great jazz, soul singers of our time."

His Best Work?

Larry Dunn | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 03/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Adams is one of the most underrated (or undiscovered) singers of our era. This is is final recording and it is arguably his best although Room with A View of the Blues and several others are just about as good. With superb back up players which include Wolfman Washington, David Torkanowsky and others, great songs and great arrangements, Johnny was at his best which is as good as it gets. The song 'Even Now' ranks as one of the best that I have ever heard."