January/February 1997

Johnny Adams
One Foot In The Blues
Rounder

By Bill Milkowski

One of the great vocalists in all of blues or jazz is New Orleanian Johnny Adams. On One Foot In The Blues (Rounder, 52:23), the 'Tan Canary' sings regally in the company of Hammond B-3 wizard Lonnie Smith, guitarist Jimmy Ponder saxophonists Donald Harrison and Ed Peterson and drummer Shannon Powell. This brilliant release features incredibly soulful versions of "Angel Eyes," "I'll Wind," and three Percy Mayfield tunes, "Two Years Of Torture," "Half Awoke" and "Cookin' In Style." One of the best of the year.