Arthur Adams
Back On Track
(Blind Pig BPCD 5055)
Arthur Adams: Back On Track (Blind Pig BPCD
5055) Arthur Adams debut CD for Blind Pig Records, Back On Track, is his first full length
recording in nearly two decades. But what you hear is a seasoned veteran of blues, gospel,
and funk at the top of his form. Starting his music career in the late 50's, Arthur Adams
has traveled a long road in the music biz through TV, movies, and as a sought after studio
musician on the West Coast during the 70's. Arthur Adams wrote or co-wrote eight of the
eleven songs on Back On Track. All of the material is very strong, smoothly produced blues
with different influences evident, and styles that reflect Adam's long career. Adam's
friend, none other than BB King, guests on two cuts, "Get You Next To Me" and
"The Long Haul." The two friends blend seamlessly, having similar guitar and
vocal styles. Doing vocal and guitar duets, they compliment each other well. But let me
tell you, Arthur Adams can blister on the guitar, and proceeds to do so throughout the CD.
Opening with the title song, "Back On Track," Arthur Adams show us just why he
is back. Smooth and upbeat, he riffs through "Back On Track" making it a tune
you'll probably be humming after the first listen. Moving on to slightly funkier grooves
on "Who Does She Think She Is" and "No Big Deal," tight horn, and
backing vocal arrangements keep things moving well. "Jumpin' The Gun" is a fine
shuffle and has Adams belting out the blues in big fashion. And that brings us to
"You Really Got It Going On." Slowing into a heavy blues groove, Arthur Adams
almost burns up the neck of his Gibson ES-347. This tune knocked me out and is worth the
price of admission alone. Great lyrics and fire from the guitar make this one a real
keeper. Another solid slow blues number, "Rehabilitation Song," has Adams
singing the blues about a contemporary theme: finishing "rehab" and begging to
come on back home. Once again, he gives us a great guitar attack that's burning hot and
shows the emotion of the song's subject. Arthur Adams produced this CD himself and shows a
great ear for horn arrangements and smooth production. With close to twenty different
performers on the eleven cuts, Adams puts it all together to form a very cohesive set of
blues numbers. After a long time since recording his last album, Arthur Adams shows that
he is back in a very big way, and lucky for us. Back On Track is a CD that I'm glad came
my way and I would suggest that you go out and find your way to it.
- Pete Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 1999
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