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Arthur Adams

Look What the Blues Has Done for Me

Review by Gary Hill

This new release is a double disc set. The first CD is a brand new album from Arthur Adams. The second disc is a compilation that includes music from throughout his career. While the new disc is more pure blues based, the earlier stuff includes funk, jazz, soul and more. Both are quite effective, making this a great set.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review
Disc 1 - Look What the Blues Has Done for Me
           
You Pullin' My Leg

I dig the guitar riff that brings this cut into being. This is classy old-school blues with so much style. I really love the guitar soloing on this thing. It's so cool.

Look What the Blues Has Done for Me
The title track has some cool guitar fills and backing vocals in the mix. The whole piece is set in a classic blues groove.
Helpin' Handman
I dig the horn section on this classy little number. It's a lot of fun.
No Refunds
A classic blues pattern is at the heart of this cut. It's so cool and tasty. It has a lot of meat on the familiar musical bones.
Low Down and Dirty
Another that gains something from horns, the guitar fills really shine. It's a killer blues stomper that works so well. I really love the guitar soloing on this thing.
All Dressed Up
If anything, this cut is another step upward. It's a smoking hot tune that works so well.
Elevator Ride
Another great blues jam, this is nothing Earth shattering, but just a classy blues jam that works really well.
I've Had Enough
A slower blues grind, this has some killer guitar fills.
Dump You
No molds are broken here, but this is just another killer blues rocker.
Leftover from Yesterday
The guitar work on this killer tune is among the best here. In fact, I'd label this song one of the standouts.
Gutbucket
This old school styled blues number is so classic. It has spoken vocals for a good chunk of the tune. 
If You Let Me Love You
Such a cool blues groove, the horns add a lot to the cut. Overall, it's just a very classy piece.
Gorgeous
The female backing vocals are a nice touch, This number lands closer to a soul sound than pure blues. It's a killer cut, too.
Disc 2 - An Introduction to Arthur Adams
                   
I'll Never Be the Same

Funk and soul merge on this killer cut. It's a change from the new music, but it is no less effective.

I Gotta Help My People
Soul music, with a lot of psychedelic edge built into it, this is so cool. I love the extensive guitar soloing on this number.
Do What Cha Doin'
Horns are a big part of this groove. It's got some catchy hooks and a great energy.
The Blues
There is such cool guitar jamming on this thing. The horns add a lot here, and it's a killer groove.
We've Got an Understanding
This is sultry soul music that's incredibly tasty.
Keep on Dancing
An instrumental, this has a lot of jazz built into it. I'm reminded of some of Frank Zappa's jazz to a large degree. This is cool stuff.
Beale Street
There is a lot of funk and soul built into this killer track.
Shake a Loose
I love this funky jam. It has a lot of soul and a lot of jazz built into it.
Music Feels Good to Me
Funk and jazz are combined with soul on this energetic number. It's another killer track.
You Give Me Such a Good Feeling
I love the cool groove on this piece, too. It has a lot of tasteful soul.
Put Your Hand in Mine
Funk and soul merge on a very catchy number.
Let's Dance
This is so funky, and so cool. It's a great tune.
You Got the Floor
Funk and early hip hop concepts seem to merge on this. Yet it has plenty of jazz built into it. I love the saxophone soloing on this, but the whole tune really grooves nicely.
 
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