TONY ADAMO Straight Up Deal Urbanzone Records/ smoothjazz.com

For those who haven’t experienced it… there’s a mystique to the San Francisco bay area at night. It’s unique to the ‘City by the Bay.’ Over the years many artists have captured this vibrant, earthy electricity and stuck it in the middle of their music regardless of genre. Santana, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Tower of Power come to mind… and a whole handful of jazz greats. Bay area singer/songwriter Tony Adamo fits perfectly in this fray with his deep, sultry, commanding voice and grasp for groove. Think Lou Reed but funkified. Tony began writing during his tour of duty in the Gulf War (the first one). The 15-hour workdays were exhausting, but the artist found the exotic scenery enticing and incorporated his poetry writing skills into song ideas by writing about the desert. A poet at heart, Tony Adamo presents some beautiful originals here. He writes with his long time collaborator Jerry Stucker who is also responsible for producing Tony’s recordings. Jerry actually has an original on this recording as well, a cool sensual tune called “Midnight Café.” Another Adamo/Stucker original is the anthem to Tower of Power’s Doc Kupka (who is featured on bari sax) “Groove Therapy.” You’ll also find some really intriguing covers such as “In The Winelight,” the late Joe Zawinul’s “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and the Miles Davis penned “Milestones.” First call musicians are on board making for a sonically stellar recording including Ernie Watts, Paul Jackson, James Gadson and Neil Larsen. STRAIGTH UP DEAL is just that! ~SANDY SHORE www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo








Artist: Tony Adamo
Title: Straight Up Deal
Genre : Jazz-Pop-Funk-R & B
Label: Urban Zone Records
Website: http://www.myspace.com/tonyrocadamo
It has been four years since I heard from Tony Adamo and the last time he was Up In It (2004 EP). However, this time out we have long player to check out. The soul brother of jazz, the one who epitomizes the word cool, is back with his groove on again. He is laying down those smooth soulful vocals to woo the women and give the gents a reason to give this CD a spin with their partners present to get them in mood. This music really does set up a frame of mind if you are alone or with someone, it does not really matter, it does the trick.
This time out we get the Straight Up Deal from Adamo and he puts it all together on 14 sizzling tracks of jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues. Ernie Watts is back on tenor sax making the horn section special and crackling with a vibe that Tony just loves. With a great musical backing, Adamo is at his best, finding the least path of resistance, just a like functioning electrical circuit taking care of business. There is a lot of music on this CD and it seems Tony was determined to make up for lost time on this recording. He succeeds in accomplishing his goal if that is what he set out to do at the beginning.
That confident Low Rawls like vocal cadence is still his stronghold, it launches the music, and then the music does the same for him-it is really something to hear develop as you listen. It is like a sweet envelope of sound that Tony takes to the next level. Of course, this is only possible when you have some first-rate players in the studio with you, which he always seems to manage before he starts the tapes rolling. He has an entire team to back him, besides old buddy Watts, there is the superlative funk master Paul Jackson on bass on some tracks, and Jerry Stucker plays all the guitar parts and contributes some programming as well. The list is long and impressive and it is no wonder this album is so good.
Some of the more ear catching tunes are “No Strings,” as in attached, “Up In It,” the red-hot “Groove Therapy,” that you are certain to feel like you are getting straight on through this session. “Lolita” was a favorite as well. It sounds like a single to me, but that is my call, we shall see what gets all the spins.
I think if Tony can put together a few more albums like this in a much shorter span of time, and I know it’s not easy when you are an indie, it will solidify his place in the realm of jazz vocals, the pantheon reserved for those that earned that honor from years of hard work and consistency. It looks like he has a good start to head in that direction.
© MuzikReviews.com-http://www.muzikreviews.com
July 6, 2007
Tracks:
01. No Strings (4:15)
02. Passport (4:42)
03. In The WInelight (5:51)
04. Up In It (4:32)
05. Milestones (2:45)
06. Groove Therapy (4:31)
07. Hey Lou (4:22)
08. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (4:54)
09. Autumn Leaves (3:59)
10. Midnight Café (4:13)
11. Wouldn’t You (4:22)
12. Lolita (3:48)
13. Stolen Moments (3:45)
14. Speak Low (3;39)







Tony Adamo’s “Groove Therapy” at #10
UrbanZone Productions/News Release

At ArtistLaunch Radio top R&B/Funk Chart, Tony Adamo’s “Groove Therapy” has blasted the funk out of Los Lonely Boys, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Take 6, and is at the #10 spot. “Groove Therapy” is from Adamo’s new CD, STRAIGHT UP DEAL to be released in April of 07 on UrbanZone Records. Adamo’s Nu-Funk vocals are driven by a mighty rhythm section and Tower of Power Horns (alumni & current members). To hear two more songs from STRAIGHT UP DEAL, “Passport” featuring Eddie Henderson on trumpet and the groove tune “No Strings” go to www.myspace.com/TonyRocAdamo


Ok, so here’s the hype! All three songs are up on my profile At (http://www.myspace.comtonyrocadamo) and are from my new release, STRAIGHT UP DEAL on UrbanZone Records (2007 release). “Groove Therapy” is about Doc “The Funky Dr” Kupka of Tower of Power fame. Doc plays bari sax on this tune and also on “No Strings,” along with (top) alum Mic Gillette and Skip Mesquite. Gillette wrote the horn arrangements for both. The rhythm sections for both cuts are: James Gadson- drums, Freddie Washington-bass, Neil Larsen-organ, Sandy Griffith-background vocals (No Strings), and Jerry Stucker-guitar/producer. The third tune, “Passport” is a fusion soul vocal with hip sing/word. The line up on this one includes: the mighty Mike Clark-drums (Herbie Hancock), Freddie Washington-bass (currently touring with Steely Dan), Neil Larson-piano (currently touring with Greg Allman), master horn player, Eddie Henderson-trumpet, Sandy Griffith-background vocals, and Jerry Stucker-guitar/producer. To all you groove cats, peace and power and may the hip be with you through the holidays!
Tony Adamo





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Adamo/Mike Clark – The Funk is Among Us
Franki LaMantia, New York

Mike Clark, the sonic jazz/funk beat master headlines a two-nighter at The Boom, Boom Room in San Francisco, California on September 15 & 16 with his Prescription Renewal Band. Clark, of Herbie Hancock fame, is one of the most sampled drummers around. All you have to do is ask Prince, Janet Jackson, or Christina Aguilera.

While in the City by the Bay, Clark will be at Different Fur Recording Studio laying down his distinctively innovative and muscular polyrhythmic beats on two new songs for singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo. This gives Adamo and his producer, Jerry Stucker an opportunity to once again renew their musical friendship with Clark. Earlier this year, Clark laid down the drum tracks for “Passport” with Eddie Henderson on trumpet. With the combination of Clark and Henderson and Adamo’s hipster style, there is no doubt that the funk is among us. You can listen to “Passport” on Adamo’s new CD to be released in 2007. For more information on Tony Adamo go to www.SonicBids.com/TonyAdamo.



Tony Adamo/Chart Trippin'
Franki LaMantia, Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recently, singer Tony Adamo’s song “Ecstasy” from his CD, DANCE OF LOVE (UrbanZone Records) went trippin’ on the charts and rose to #13 on the top 20 charts at Impact Radio FM, Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Radiowave Monitor is on the one for radio promotions for “Ecstasy.” “This CD was released in 2002 and continues find chart action.

Adamo’s “Hey Lou” featured on Paul Jackson’s new CD, FUNK ON A STICK, with Jackson on bass (promoted by RadioDirectX), has been added to over 300 radio play lists such as Scott Fugat’s, Electric 89.1 WBCX Radio, Dick Hughes’ on his Jazz Action Radio Show, Theola Bright’s at WHIL Mobile 91.3 FM, and Radio KWUA 88.1, The Jazz Trip Show just to name a few.

Now check out these hip reviews on “Lou.” D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Newsletter stated, “Hey Lou” is a cool track with vocals from Tony Adamo and Ernie Watts on sax.” Jeff Charney, Hot 103 JAMZ (KPRS) said, “San Francisco based vocalist Tony Adamo helped write and sings on “Hey Lou.” Adamo has the slick jazz cat soul meets Frank Zappa style sound. The song though is in the very funky style of Paul Jackson’s, FUNK ON A STICK, CD.” Smoothjazzandmore Radio said, “The clear cut winner on FUNK ON A STICK is the track, “Hey Lou” with vocals by Tony Adamo. It’s funky, hip and fun to listen to.” Dorothy L. Hill of Jazznow Magazine says, “Hey Lou” features suave vocalize by Tony Adamo that sets the pattern for this hip tune that features Ernie Watts on sax.”

Holla up, holla up, the groove masters are in the house for Adamo’s new CD release GROOVE THERAPY to hit the streets in 2006. Producer/guitarist, Jerry Stucker has loaded up this new release with the following hired guns: Eddie Henderson, Paul Jackson, Mike Clark, Mic Gillette, Stephen ‘Doc’ Kupka, Skip Mesquite, Ernie Watts, Freddie Washington, Neil Larson, James Gadson, Paul Van Wegeningen, Shota Osabi, and Sandy Griffith. For more information on Tony Adamo go to www.sonicbids.com/TonyAdamo or type Tony Adamo jazz, Tony Adamo funk or Tony Adamo into Google or Yahoo search. To hear the song “Hey Lou” go to RadioDirectX. Adamo’s promotions are handled by Roc Armani at urbanzonerecords@earthlink.net





Tony Adamo Gets Worldwide Radio Airplay
(Los Angeles, CA) Franki LaMantia
For Immediate Release

Singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo’s song “Hey Lou” featured on Paul Jackson’s new CD, FUNK ON A STICK (Backdoor Records) is getting worldwide airplay on radio stations around the world. Paul Jackson put Adamo on higher ground by featuring Adamo’s music on his new CD. RadioDirectX is handling radio promo for FUNK ON A STICK and the reception has been fantastic so far. Paul Jackson still tours with the Headhunters (BasinStreet Records) and was a founding member of the Headhunters along with Herbie Hancock.

Producer/guitarist, Jerry Stucker was recently in Los Angeles recording and finishing up music tracks for Adamo new tunes, “Lolita, Groove Therapy, and Passport.” A heavy dose of cool was added to the mix by producer Stucker by bringing in Neil Larson on organ (Diana Krall, B.B. King, Greg Allman), “Ready” Freddy Washington on base (Anita Baker, Al Jerreau, Gerald Allbright), and James Gadson on drums (who has played on over three hundred gold records). These heavy hitters laid down their one of a kind grooves to Tony Adamo’s music. Paul Jackson, Eddie Henderson, Ernie Watts, Mic Gillette, Paul Van Wageningen, and Mike Clark are just a few of the hired guns who have contributed their musical chops to Adamo’s upcoming CD release on UrbanZone Records.

For more emerging radio news on Paul Jackson and Tony Adamo go to RadioDirectX. For music news on Paul Jackson and Tony Adamo go to ejazznews.com and click on FUNK ON A STICK. Theorchard.com is handling worldwide digital and physical CD distribution of Paul Jackson’s FUNK ON A STICK. For info on Tony Adamo type in Tony Adamo jazz or Tony Adamo funk into Yahoo or Google search. Roc Armani of UrbanZone Productions handles PR and promotions for Paul Jackson and Tony Adamo.
Armani can be reached at urbanzonerecordes@earthlink.net


Groove masters James Gadson (drums) and “Ready” Freddy Washington (bass) laid down the rhythm and groove tracks on “No Strings” and “Up In It” for singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo’s new CD release (2006). This session pair extraordinaire's musical tracks were produced by Jerry Stucker.

Gadson has appeared on multiple releases with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters and has performed on over 300 gold records. That’s James Gadson that you hear on Bill Withers, “Aint No Sunshine When She’s Gone,” and “Use Me.” Gadson’s funky back beat drumming has powered many great artists: Quincy Jones, Joe Sample, Ray Charles and Puncho Sanchez.

“Ready” Freddy Washington’s funky and innovative style has been in demand with a diverse mixture of artists: Anita Baker, Al Jerreau, Gerald Albright, The Winans and Stanley Turrentine. His distinctive playing can also be heard on a number of movie sound tracks.

The great funk innovator, Paul Jackson (bass) recently featured Adamo’s song “Hey Lou” on his new release FUNK ON A STICK (BackDoor Records). “Hey Lou” is being played on over 150 radio stations in the US and Europe. RadioDirectX is doing radio promotions for FUNK ON A STICK and will also be involved in the radio promotion of Adamo’s new release in 2006 ( UrbanZone Records). Adamo, Stucker and Jackson will be collaborating on new material for Jackson’s future release on BackDoor Records. For more information on Tony Adamo go to www.jazznow.com or type in Tony Adamo jazz in Yahoo or Google search engines.



For Immediate Release
Urbanzone Productions/Roc Armani
Paul Jackson’s FUNK ON A STICK Features Tony Adamo

The great funk bass master, Paul Jackson of the Headhunters (Basin Street Records) formerly Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, has released his second solo CD, FUNK ON A STICK (Backdoor Records). It’s been on the street for less than a week and the funk is in on the music reviews. “Yes sir, “In God We Funk” what else can you say? Mr. “Funky Fingers” gets it on from beginning to the end of this CD and proves without any doubt that Herbie Hancock knew exactly what he was doing when he teamed with this man, oh yeah,” says Keith “Muzikman” Hannaleck, of MuzikReviews.com.

Paul Jackson has become the master innovator of pushing the envelope further into the jazz funk realm. It all started with the instant classic “Chameleon.” The funky heat was turned up even higher on the song “God Make me Funky.” Jackson’s new CD, FUNK ON A STICK comes out smooookin with such standout cuts as “In God we Funk, Funk on a Stick and Hey Lou.” He is flat out the baddest funk bass play of all times. San Francisco soul jazz singer/songwriter, Tony Adamo’s tune “Hey Lou” is featured on this CD along with Oakland, California’s funk drumming sensation, James Levi.

Bob Davis of Soul-Patrol.Net Radio says “It’s like Return To Forever/Headhunters with James Brown, Oscar Brown Jr. and Chuck Brown. This CD FUNK ON A STICK is essential for you to own.”

Theorchard.com is handling worldwide digital and physical distribution. Digital distribution of FUNK ON A STICK will be on 50 legitimate digital music services including iTunes, eMusic, Real Rhapsody, and Sony Connect. FUNK ON A STICK will be sold on internet music retail sites including, Amazon, Best Buy, Virgin Mega Stores, SamGoody and Tower Records. You can also buy FUNK ON A STICK at www.jazznow.com

For more info on Paul Jackson go to www.pauljackson.jp and www.theorchard.com
For info on Tony Adamo go to www.jazznow.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Adamo Records with Funk Legends
By Urbanzone Productions

Tony Adamo, soul-jazz singer/songwriter will be in San Francisco’s Different Fur Recording Studio in late February with funk legends, Paul Jackson on bass and Mike Clark on drums. They will be recording an original song by Adamo/Stucker produced by Jerry Stucker. Paul Jackson is one of the baddest funk bass players of all time. Paul has long been associated with Herbie Hancock’s super jazz funk band, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. He has been nominated for three Grammy’s and currently tours with the Headhunters. Mike Clark, also of Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, has created the most influential funk drumming in the world and currently tours with the Headhunters.

Get ready, the funk is gonna fly when Paul Jackson, Mike Clark and Fred Wesley (James Brown, JB-Horns) hit the stage for an original Soul-Jazz Funk Legend Show at the famed Boom, Boom Room, in San Francisco, CA on February 25, 26.

Get hip to Jackson’s new CD to be released in April 2005 (Back Door Records) entitled, FUNK ON A STICK featuring San Francisco Bay Area vocalist Tony Adamo. Paul Jackson and Mike Clark also record with the Headhunters on Basin Street Records, New Orleans, LA. Watch for Adamo’s new soul-jazz CD scheduled to hit the streets in the summer of 2005. For more information on Tony Adamo go to www.jazznow.com




FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
Tony Adamo & Ernie Watts Record at Cherokee Studios
Roc Armani, Urbanzone Productions,11/15/04

Two-time Grammy winner Ernie Watts layed down horn tracks for contemporary jazz vocalist, Tony Adamo’s new Soul Jazz CD at the legendary Cherokee Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California. This is the second time Watts has recorded with Adamo. Their first recording was on Adamo’s CD, DANCE OF LOVE on Rhombus Records. DANCE OF LOVE is currently receiving airplay in the US and Canada.

Jerry Stucker is again producing Adamo’s new Soul Jazz CD to be released early in 2005. (The buzz on this new CD started when Al Schmitt, Capitol Studios recently mixed three of Adamo’s songs for this new CD). The Robb brothers, owners of Cherokee have always been knocked out by Watts’ soulful playing and were delighted to have him record at their studio. Ernie began the recording session with War’s, “The World is a Ghetto.” Adamo’s vocals and Stucker’s arrangement might make this a jazz radio staple. The next song up, an original, “Wouldn’t You Like to Know” could generate a Nora Jones like response. The groove train was really hitting the tracks hard as Ernie stretched out and worked his magic on the Grover Washington Jr. tune, “Winelight,” with lyrics by Kurt Elling. Together, the magic vibe of Adamo’s silky smooth vocals and Watts’ mighty tenor wrapped itself around “Winelight,” and may just break this new artist to the public and get Watts nominated for another Grammy. Let the magic begin!

For more on Tony Adamo go to www.jazznow.com




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Adamo in the Mix
UrbanZone Productions
9/1/04

Jazz artist Tony Adamo and Jerry Stucker, producer/guitarist, appear in the September issue of Mix Magazine with Al Schmitt and Ron McMaster’s of Capitol Studios. (Sessions & Studio News Section). ‘Mix” is the premier professional audio and music production magazine in the county. Singer/songwriter Adamo visited Capitol Studio’s famous studio “C” to have multi-tech and Grammy award winning All Schmitt mix his upcoming Soul- Jazz CD with Steve Genewick assisting. The collection of Soul-Jazz and rearranged pop song grooves where tracked by Justin Lieberman at Different Fur Studio, San Francisco and will be mastered by Grammy award winning Ron McMaster at Capitol. In late September, Tower of Power horn greats, Mic Gillette and Skip Mesquite will be with Adamo in the recording studio in Oakland, CA laying down the horn parts to “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” The horn arrangement is by Mic Gillette. Some great musicians in the Jazz and Funk music world will be featured on Adamo’s upcoming soul-Jazz CD to be released in early 2005. For more info on this new Jazz artist go to www.jazznow.com.




UPDATE:5/29/04
URBANZONE PRODUCTIONS

"Lolita" from Adamo's new EP, UP IN IT is now on the smooth jazz chart at SoundClick.com. The horn arrangements on this tune are by Tower of Power great, Mic Gillette. Jeff Charney, radio personality at Hot103 JAMZ Radio(KPRS)Kansas City, MO, has started playing the song "Lolita" from Tony Adamo's UP IN IT, EP. Haybert King Houston, radio programer at KKUP FM 91.5, Santa Clara, CA has added music from Adamo's Rhombus Records release DANCE OF LOVE to KKUP's playlist. Radio KPHI, Salt Lake City, UT is playing music from DANCE OF LOVE and UP IN IT. CIM Radio,NY City,is also giving airplay to the UP IN IT EP and has called Adamo today's "new power voice in smooth jazz." Radio KPOO, San Francisco, CA has long been a supporter of Adamo and contiues to play DANCE OF LOVE and has added music from UP IN IT.

Adamo and his producer, Jerry Stucker have been working on a Nu-Souljazz CD at Capitol Studios (Capitol Records) with legendary recording engineer/producer, Al Schmitt. Al Schmitt has worked with Sinatra, Nate King Cole, Lou Rauls, and most recently Diana Krall. This release will be out in 2005.

Please call your local smooth jazz and jazz stations to request Tony Adamo's music. For more information on this rising new arist, go www.jazznow.com.



Promo Release For Tony Adamo
Updated September 22, 2003

Jeff Charney, Radio personality at hot 103 KPRS Kansas City, MO and owner of website www.contemporaryjazz.com was first to nationally break “Midnight Café” featuring Ernie Watts. Jeff has called singer/songwriter Tony Adamo “a modern day Lou Rawls.” Jeff says “Midnight Café is smooth, it grooves and it is just right to break this crooner out to the public.” CIM Radio, New York City has called Adamo “a smooth jazz power voice,” and made Tony’s CD, DANCE OF LOVE program director’s pick. Ted Hasiuk, one of Canada’s smooth jazz pioneers is now playing “When Love Comes Over You” and has said “this song fits right into my radio format for my show, Jazz Café,” on 88.1 FM Toronto, Canada. Sky jazz Radio made Adamo its New Discovery Artist in March 2003 and started playing the song “Hey Lou.” As of July 2003, Skyjazz Radio listeners voted Tony Adamo their favorite new artist. John Beaudin, drive time announcer at 103.1, The Breeze, Calgary, Canada and owner of smoothjazzcanada.com dug Adamo’s music so much that he interviewed Tony for his website. Jeff Charney also did a live radio interview with Tony Adamo that was heard on KRNB, Dallas TX and KPRS, Kansas City, MO.

As of August 2003, mp3songs.com.uk picked Adamo as one of the most successful Internet stories for this year and his song “Live for Your Love” debuted at #98 on their top 100-indie charts and climbed to #13 as of September 22, 2003. At soundclick.com, January 2003, Adamo went #1 on the smooth jazz chart with the song “Passport.” February of 2003 his song “Ecstasy” went #1 on the smooth jazz chart at soundclick.com. Lee Ritenour was #4, Pattie LaBelle was #7 and Joyce Cooling was #13. July 2003 the song “Midnight Café” featuring Ernie Watts went to #1 twice on the smooth jazz chart. On the Internet music charts, Adamo has accounted for over 300,000 downloads. At soundclick.com Adamo has accounted for over 202,068 downloads and streams, a phenomenal achievement for an unknown artist. Tony is listed under artist, Adamo at soundclick.com.

On the jazz vocal charts at mp3.com.au Adamo is #2. Mp3.com.au is Australia’s #1 music site. On mp3.com in the U.S. Adamo’s song “Live for Your Love” climbed to #8 on their top 500 jazz and smooth jazz charts. Adamo is on many other Internet charts and is being picked up daily by additional Internet music sites.

Jim Santella of the L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine say, “Adamo leaves the impression that smooth jazz was designed with the magic of his vocal interpretations in mind.” Lee Prosser of JazzReview.com calls Adamo “a gifted jazz vocalist/songwriter, and the David Bowie of the smooth jazz set. Adamo has quite the unique voice. His new CD release, DANCE OF LOVE, is a big winner in the smooth jazz vocals category.” Derick Winterburg, owner of www.thesmoothjazzsite.com made Tony Adamo a new discovery artist and said, “Now when I say smooth jazz vocalist, I don’t mean what most of the smooth jazz radio stations mean. They’ll play Al Jarreau and Luther Vandross and tell you that you’re hearing smooth jazz.”


FOR IMMEDIATED RELEASE
Tony Adamo up for a Grammy
Roc Armani

Tony Adamo’s new CD, Dance of Love is up for Grammy consideration. Can you dig it? Tony sure can! The final votes will be cast within the next two weeks and the nominations will be announced at a press conference December 4th in Hollywood, California. NARA members can vote for Dance of Love as it is listed in the latest issue of the Grammy Awards Guide. NARA members can also order a free promo CD from Thom Teresi, owner of Rhombus Records (www.rhombus-records.com) or directly from the Grammy Awards Guide.

Adamo and two-time Grammy winner Ernie Watts are still atop the smooth jazz chart at soundclick.com with a cut from Dance of Love entitled “Midnight Café,” featuring Ernie Watts. That song is also #6 on the jazz chart at soundclick.com. Tony Adamo is listed under artist “Adamo” at soundclick.

Music fans from around the world have been downloading, streaming and voting this song to the #1 position for over a month. It’s being added to new radio stations weekly. Adamo is with BMI and all of his music is produced by Jerry Stucker of JS Productions, San Francisco, California. This CD was recorded at Different Fur Recording Studio, San Francisco, California. For more information on this artist go to http://www.jazznow.com/Adamo/adindex.html.