Album review: Tony Adamo - Dig What I Say (Saint Jaz Records)

Tony Adamo (hip spoken word/lyrics); Gary Steinberg (tenor sax); Tim Campbell (Hammond B-3); Barry Schiffman (conga programming)

Deep Latin-funk percussion, wailing tenor, and a peppering B-3 launch the single Dig What I Say before Tony Adamo enters with what he calls is “the new jazz vibe.” Adamo, a true rhapsode (no pun intended), spews his classic hipster sing-speak over the driving bed and propels us into a spectacular envisioned jazz space. Dropping names and brilliantly characterizing jazz greats now and past – Miles, “the boxer,” for example, Adamo knows and values all these greats. One can hear that in the timbre of his voice and in his uniquely inventive speak-stylings.

Adamo’s preaching, best described as sing-speak (as opposed to pure rap) has great substance. It’s historical heroin, as there’s mention and pungent reflection as the names are popped without corn. He’s a jazz matador swirling his verbal cape as the groove-beast bursts by. Tenor man, Gary Steinberg is a perfect partner for Adamo and this environment. Laying down solid soul, he’s got a virile edge and an edgy sound that’s deep cut with funk. The rhythm bed with Tim Campbell’s B-3 and programmed drums is muscular and holds nothing back, but definitely holds court.

Jazz has a long history of scatting and its counterpart, vocalise, where words are applied to well-known solos. Ella Fitgerald, Mel Torme, Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks, and Giacomo Gates are some in that pantheon. However, Adamo’s sing-speak technique is unique verbiage as he’s a griot, a ferocious jazz story-spinner both simultaneously hot and very cool, as you will hear.

Dig What I Say – and for that matter, all of Adamo’s efforts in his voluminous bag of goodies are an enjoyable and a very unique experience. You dig? Nick Mondello

YouTube