9 MILES OF BLU

Tony Adamo, best known as a soulful singer in the vein of Dr. John, Ray Charles and Mose Allison who loves Tower of Power and the Headhunters, performs a tribute to jazz on his popular “9 Miles Of Blu.” The performance gives listeners an idea what rap might have sounded like if it had stuck to storytelling and de-emphasized endless rhymes.

Actually this performance, which has Adamo serving as a narrator over several uptempo straight ahead grooves played by guitarist Steve Homan, and Mike Clark on drums, is not only a throwback to Gil-Scott Heron in the 1970s but to Louis Jordan in the 1940s. Adamo talks about the excitement of jazz, and wanting to be part of that world. He pays a brief verbal tribute to such notables as Monk, Miles, Trane, Diz, Bird, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Smith and others.

Throughout Tony Adamo’s fast talking and his colorful words, the excitement of jazz is conveyed, making listeners want to check out some of the greats from both past times and today’s jazz scene.

Scott Yanow, author of ten books including Bebop, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76