Johnny Adams Albums (11)
What The Critics Say
Adams kept cranking out solo albums for the Rounder imprint and this one was the ninth such effort, finding him in tip-top shape vocally and in full command of his consummate powers. In addition to top-notch new material from Dan Penn ("It Ain't the Same Thing"), Carson Whitsett ("Bulldog Break His Chain"), Bobby Charles ("I Don't Want to Know") and Jonnie Barnett ("Going Out of My Mind Sale"), Adams takes on William Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water," Brook Benton's "Looking Back" and Percy Sledge's "It Tears Me Up." Closing out the album is a duet with Aaron Neville on the gospel chestnut "Never Alone." ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
'One Foot in the Blues'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 11
Label Rounder
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Johnny Adams is renowned for his smoky but smooth voice, but One Foot in the Blues is as much a showcase for Lonnie Smith's Hammond B-3 organ, which sounds like a living, breathing creature. The spare, mostly live-in-the-studio production allows plenty of wide open sonic space for Smith's expressive organ (including his pulsating bass pedal), Ed Peterson's after-hours tenor sax, and Jimmy Ponder's gentle guitar fills. While Adams' most fervent champions thrill to his every note, others may find his singing mannered on the ballads that dominate this session, and his voice is certainly huskier than in the days when he earned the sobriquet "the Tan Canary." As the title suggests, the CD is only partly blues; Adams' other "foot" here, as on his previous '90s recordings, is placed squarely between the cabaret-jazz crooning of Johnny Hartman and the soul-pop styling of Lou Rawls. ~ Steve Hoffman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Fans of Adams' R&B dusties may not find everything on this jazz-based collection to their taste, but Adams' vocal ease within the jazz idiom is undeniable. Noteworthy sidemen include Harry Connick, Jr., and Houston Person. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
'Christmas in New Orleans with Johnny Adams'
Release Date 11/1/1993
Tracks 11
Label Ace
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What The Critics Say
New Orleans funk this isn't -- Johnny Adams sounds virtually operatic, and the album is sentimental, carefully produced, downright middle-of-the-road. But it does have Adams's astounding voice, and that's enough. Maison De Soul 1023, LP/Cassette. Available on CD as Ace (US) 2046 ~ Roundup newsletter, All Music Guide
'Good Morning Heartache'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 10
Label Rounder
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What The Critics Say
Adams could sing the phone book and make it sound sweet, so his personalized rendition of the title track and several more jazz standards on this collection shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Nevertheless, it's a long way from "Reconsider Me," and perhaps a bit too jazzy for some R&B fans. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
'Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus: The Real Me'
Release Date 9/20/1991
Tracks 11
Label Rounder
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The late Doc Pomus was one of the top songwriters in the R&B/blues tradition while Johnny Adams was one of his favorite singers; their eventual matchup was quite logical. Pomus wrote a few new songs and worked with Adams on planning this Rounder CD up until his own death. Fortunately the project was not halted and resulted in an enjoyable set. Pomus' intelligent and universal lyrics perfectly fit Adams' style which features flawless enunciation and an ability to sincerely convey a wide range of emotions. With hornlines arranged by Red Tyler, occasional brief solos contributed by pianist Dr. John and guitarist Duke Robillard, and top notch singing by Johnny Adams, Doc Pomus' music is well served on a strong set of blues and ballads. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Walking on a Tightrope'
Release Date 1/1/1989
Tracks 10
Label Rounder
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Whenever Johnny Adams does a repertory album, it's as much his own showcase as a forum for the spotlighted composer. Even Percy Mayfield's lyrically brilliant works don't hamper Adams from displaying his special magic; his treatments on the session's ten tunes range from excellent to magnificent. Adams is gripping on "My Heart Is Hangin' Heavy," nicely bemused on "The Lover and the Married Woman," and convincing on the title track and "Danger Zone." Although he's done numerous Rounder vehicles, Adams hasn't yet turned in a dud. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Room with a View of the Blues'
Release Date 1/1/1988
Tracks 10
Label Rounder
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Although calling Johnny Adams a blues singer is far too confining, he's certainly among the finest to perform in that idiom. He's equally brilliant at slow or uptempo numbers, can effectively convey irony, heartache, or triumph, and is a masterful storyteller. These ten blues numbers cover every emotional base, allowing Adams a chance to show his proficiency. With great support from an instrumental corps that includes guitarists Walter "Wolfman" Washington and Duke Robillard, keyboardist Dr. John, and saxophonists Red Tyler and Foots Samuel, plus Ernie Gautreau on valve trombone, Adams didn't just cut a blues album, he made unforgettable blues statements. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
When Johnny Adams signed with Rounder in the mid-'80s, few outside the R&B/soul and blues world were aware of his skills or eclectic range. After Dark was Adams' second Rounder session. It included amazing covers of Doc Pomus' "I Don't Know You" and "Give a Broken Heart a Break," John Hiatt's "Lovers Will," and the Dan Penn/Chips Moman soul classic "Do Right Woman -- Do Right Man." This was one of the first records on which Adams' wondrous voice, with its extensive range at the top and bottom, was both well-produced and effectively mastered and recorded. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
