Greg Adams & East Bay Soul June 10, 2010

Delivered with passion and spirit equal to the flow of his horn, the sound of Greg Adams is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures.

East Bay Soul is a combination of instrumental soul, funk jazz and rhythm and blues vocals built on a design to discover new achievements rather than extend the past.

The mega funk East Bay Soul is the brainchild of Grammy and Emmy nominated trumpeter Greg Adams, with the most soulful ensemble creates a union that has been nothing short of musically miraculous. Their tight horn- filled rhythms are caressed by vocals that convey the dawning of an R&B renaissance in this generation.

Adams is a founding member of Tower of Power. Legendary for the horn arrangements that created it’s resonance and made Tower of Power one of the most enduring musical entities today. Greg’s musical compositions made the TOP horn section a sought out entity all it’s own.

East Bay Soul, initially assembled with live dates in mind has just released the self-identifying CD produced by Adams that distinguishes them from others.

Look for soul powered vocals sung by the musically dynamic combination of Tom Bowes, Darryl Walker and Sean Holt. Now on top of this renowned blend, add the incredibly magnetic sax man Michael Paulo and the equation goes world class. Looking to push the limits Lee Thornburg joins Adams on trumpet and vocals.

Completing the ensemble is a band that has toured together for eight years, and played with numerous luminary artists. With Johnnie Bamont on alto, tenor, baritone saxophones and flute, Joey Navarro on keyboards and B3 organ. Brian Allen on bass, James Wirrick on guitar, Evan Stone on drums and Johnny Sandoval on percussion. Ten soulful members and a music extravaganza that will remind you of what you love most about music.

Greg has made an urbane, soulful and lush recording that showcases the full strength of the rhythm and horn section through his arrangements. As a trumpet player, Adams alternates between a powerful open horn and sexy muted trumpet revealing the breadth and elegance he embodies.

The sound has it’s roots in the uniquely soul based genre associated with the San Francisco East Bay Area. It is however, R&B for our time. Watch and hear this band and you will find yourself in front of the stage, and people will be moving with the music. The timeless quality of the East Bay Soul sound knows no age limits.

The opening song “Survival of the Hippest” unfolds with the epitome of cool, it’s horn laden track swells with complete commitment before Tom Bowes delivers a rap that is almost biographical as the title implies.

Balancing the sultry and robust, the hopeful and the absolute. East Bay Soul excels on the west coast straight ahead “Bop Drop” that literally drops into “Reading Lips” jazz infused R&B soul drenched vocals of love in bloom.

Lee Thornburg emerges with his interpretation on Howard Tate’s 1960’s chestnut, “Stop”, and brings the “full funk” of the track to life. While Brian Allen’s bass anchors the subtle cush laid back groove on “What’s it Gonna Be?”

Sean Holt surrenders a sexy romp on “Jump Shout and Holler” that is so playful and with Michael Paulo closing with a tenor sax solo that is sure to become a classic.

Drawing on the inspirations of our times and awareness of new ideas, “iHope” asks the question of promise and possibilities, a message delivered with tremendous style by Darryl Walker. Tom Bowes returns on “Someone New” a stirring closing to the disc about emotional distances we must overcome to keep love alive and questions “Am I losing you?”

When great musicians who have shared several significant music accomplishments together, unite on a performance stage ... you never know what will happen next! Add the benefit of vision, musical “know how” and the insight that comes through genuine affection, respect and friendship and you have a recipe for making memories and some primetime music history.

This new band East Bay Soul has something new to say, and you will be glad you got the message!

Official Website: http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artist/show/1314