Dig What I Say
Tony AdamoDuration: 3:32
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
Posted by Tony Adamo.
