ARTHUR ADAMS "STOMP THE FLOOR" Source: BVSReviews.com Date: 11/2009 Writer: Bruce E Von Stiers

Arthur Adams has been around for quite some time. In the late 1950’s, Arthur performed in the Dallas area, where he stayed for a few years. After Sam Cooke recorded one of his songs, Arthur ended up in L.A. as one of the most sought after studio musicians.

During the 1970’s Arthur recorded four albums, including one that was co-produced by Bonnie Raitt. During this time he also co-wrote the Albert King song, Truckload of Lovin’. Arthur has also worked extensively with B.B. King.

Arthur has blues music deep down in his soul. This is apparent in his new album. This one is called Stomp The Floor. It is being released by Delta Groove Music.

On the album Arthur plays a mean R & B and blues guitar and provides some terrific vocals. He also co-produced the album with Lou Castro.

Hense Powell is on keys. He’s played with B.B. King and Junior Walker among others. On bass for several of the album’s songs is Reggie McBride. Reggie has played on albums by Stevie Wonder and Elton John. The other bass playing was done by Lou Castro. Besides co-producing this album, Lou has played on a lot of others and has performed with the likes of Wayne Newton and Keiko Matsui.

James Gadson is on drums. He’s recorded with Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock.
Stacy-Lamont-Sydnor does percussion on three of the songs. He has performed with rappers like Busta Rhymes as well as being a member of the Mike Corrado Band. Also on percussion is David Leich. Aside from performing with Dave Matthews and Blues Traveler, David has also been on Letterman and other top shows.

For a few years Lee Thornberg played trumpet in the Tonight Show band. He helps out on this album with his great trumpeter skills. Dave Woodford, who has recorded with Jeff Golub and Eddie Money, plays saxophone on the album. And Garrett Adkins, whose work includes playing on the Bruce Willis album, If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger, plays trombone for Arthur on this one.

Arthur starts the album out with the title track, Stomp The Floor. The song is a moderately paced R & B song that will have you moving about.

Moving forward, You Can’t Win For Losing is a fun blues laden lament.
A killer blues piece with tough guitar and vocals is Don’t Let The Door Hit You.
I Know What You Mean is a subtle R & B song.  Things pick up a bit with a mellow R & B love song called So Sweet. A tight little groove blues groove can be found in You Got That Right. It is an instrumental piece that is really, really good.

Callin’ Heaven is a sad R & B lament.  Nature of the Beast is a slow, gentle blues piece with great guitar and vocals.  Things pick back up with the toe-tapping Thrive On Your Vibe.  You Are Invited gets the listener into a love lost blues ballad mode.  Around The Sun is a cool, smooth jazz styled instrumental.   Arthur ends the album with a tough blues instrumental called Blue Roots.

I have to admit that I’m really not up on who’s who in blues. But I do know what I like. And I know I like Arthur Adam’s music and especially this new album, Stomp The Floor. It is full of great R & B and blues songs. Not only are the vocal songs good, the instrumental pieces are killer.