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Tony Adamo: Better Than Picasso At Midnite

By Nicholas F. Mondello
March 25, 2022
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Track review of "Better Than Picasso At Midnite"

Tony Adamo: Better Than Picasso At Midnite

When you listen to vocal artist Tony Adamo, it reminds of that 1960s' mantra from Jimi Hendrix, "Are You Experienced?" That's because Adamo is a brilliantly creative talent whose recordings are so hip, so singular that they're something that you don't just listen to; you experience them. From his past efforts, we know that he dwells in a world where words are "sing-spoke," told with a heavy dollop of jazz names served up Cool. He's a griot whose game is not rap and it's not "vocalese," but a love child of both genres. It's an acquired taste, for sure. But, it's musical heroin— one just gets hooked.

This single, "Better than Picasso at Midnite" is Adamo's uber-hip revised take on a "cult" jazz tune, "Better Than Anything (Except Being in Love)." It has been recorded by Irene Kral, Natalie Cole with Diana Krall, Bob Dorough, Al Jarreau, and others. Like the Spanish painter himself, Adamo is a visionary. He sees music and words through the hippest of kaleidoscopes. So, unlike those artists who presented the tune as a cute, triple-metered lilt, Adamo's take is a hard-charging, muscular, and very in-your-face 4/4—Classic Adamo.

After covering the second verse of the original lyric—which included the names of great jazz artists—Adamo takes off with his own energized lingo. He drops names over a pile-driving electro-groove. The interaction of Adamo's tale-telling and the intense rhythm bed is palpable. He moves you with each inflection and commentary. Sidekicks guitarist Chris Pimentel and tenor saxophonist Rob Sudduth each offer terrific solos and the groove drones on, leaving one eager to loop the track.

"Better Than Picasso at Midnite" is Tony Adamo at his best—and there isn't much better than that—except LOVE.

Track Listing

Better Than Picasso At MidNite

Personnel

Tony Adamo

vocals

Chris Pimentel

guitar

Rob Sudduth

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Better Than Picasso At Midnite | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Saint Jaz Records

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