Soul Express CD Review

ADAM: - Determination
(US Music Montaj, 2005)
Let's Come Together - Know U Better - Determination - Love Can - You Inspire Me - All I Do Is Cry - Up There With You - Special Kind Of Love - Many Times - Satisfaction Guranteed - Spirit In Love - Together We Can

There is a song on here - a very, very good song - called Satisfaction Guaranteed. That really does some up my feelings about Adam McKnight and his splendid music. Vocally we are dealing with a real talent and I hear echoes of Luther Vandross, John Whitehead and even Barrington Scott Henderson. Every track is a winner but for me the showstopper is the KILLER "Up There with You". What a beautiful record! This song really is the sort of material that makes a very good album GREAT, and all essential elements fall together perfectly to make one gorgeous song. I was hooked by its beautiful, warm introduction, the smooth and velvety vocals and fluid instrumentation. The backing vocals are also on the nose and this has been one of a number of songs that have hallmarked the recent heat wave thus far of this summer for me musically.

That isn't it, though. The CD is hopeful, socially conscious and brimming with positivity. This is exactly the sort of material I like to hear. "Lets Come Together", "Determination", "Love Can", "Spirit in Love" and "Together We Can" are top notch examples of real soul music with real instrumentation and songwriting. Not many artists can deal with social commentary well, and no-one in the realm of major label could even hope to scratch this quality of artistry. I think this fact has been borne out with the special acknowledgement of Elton John who has enlisted Adam on his UK tour following hearing Adam in his home town of Atlanta - and will be having him backing him for the Live 8 event in early July. Elton is, I know, a keen fan and connoisseur of black music - strongly endorsing Remy Shand a few years back - and this certainly adds a lot of weight to the argument that Adam is sheer Class.

"Determination" is a CD that may appeal to the Gospel aficionados, but as far as I am concerned this is better. Adam really works on the theme of self empowerment and as a tool for encouragement and verve this CD really rocks. The power of love is the strongest theme on this set and "Love Can" administers this concept perfectly. I think this is far, far better than any Gospel set on many fronts. If you love a Southern flavour with plenty of horns then the Malaco-ish "You Inspire Me" will wet your whistle nicely. I can take or leave that sort of sound, but I really love this song. It's happy, bouncy and uplifting, and there is little of that anywhere today, is there?

Incidentally, a jazzy flavour is added with the slinky "Many Times". Another strong, strong track on this strong album. Albums like this stand head and shoulders over the sheer dogs mess of artists who purport to be R&B. Classy, talented, blessed with great insight into life and love, Adam has a great future and hopefully this CD will go far and do him well. Another set that will be in my listings for the best of 2005. Thanks, Adam for a great CD. CD Baby stock this so do drop in and have a sample listen. Essential real soul.

SoulTracks.com CD Review

Labeled by his musical friends as a "Vocal Freak of Nature," Atlanta-based Adam McKnight has gained a reputation over the past half decade as a singer's singer. He has been a staple in the Atlanta soul scene and has performed with a number of major artists, including Diana Ross, Aaron Neville and Stevie Wonder. He also co-wrote, performed, produced and independently released the critically acclaimed album Are You Listening for the Gospel group Voice of Atlanta.

McKnight's career highlight came in 2004, when he arranged the background vocals and recorded eight tracks on Elton John's Peachtree Road album and toured with John internationally.

In early 2005, McKnight completed his solo debut album, the independently released Determination. For the uninitiated, Determination is a nice introduction to a simply superb voice. While many would automatically compare McKnight's rich baritone to Luther Vandross, a closer comparison would be to Carl Anderson. In fact, Determination bears resemblance to Anderson's early 90s work with Russ Freeman on GRP Records, with many of the same highs and lows. Like Anderson, McKnight is a uniquely gifted singer working with material that isn't always of equal quality. A large portion of Determination consists of rather generic smooth jazz-type uptempo numbers that lack musical or lyrical distinction, save his consistently strong voice. Things get better on the more authentic jazzy ballad "Many Times" (the album's best cut) and the closing songs "Spirit In Love" and "Together We Can," which sound similar to Luther Vandross's late 80s work with Gregory Hines. It is on these songs where the material is wothy of McKnight's strong vocal performance and where Determination reaches its undisputed high point.

While it is musically inconsistent, I'm glad to have heard Determination and to be introduced to Adam McKnight. I believe he will be a singer to keep and eye on, and one who, with more consistently strong, distinctive material, has the talent to become a major artist.

Soul Brother

Yet another well produced album from Atlanta, with Adam sounding similar to Luther or Freddie Jackson in places. 'Lets Come Together', 'Know you Better' and 'Determination' are all strong 80's style Modern Soul dancers. 'You Inspire Me', 'All I Do Is Cry and 'Many Times' are southern style dancers (ala Jeff Floyd). Adam really shines on the ballads 'Up There With You' and 'Special Kind Of Lover'. If you are into mid 80's soul, this is for you.

Soulwalking

Adam is a new name to me. Very talented guy, who has a Soulfull and Folksy approach to many of the offerings here. The opener 'Let's Come Together' has a nice melody, as does 'Know U Better'. Adams writings are very 'song led', which is highly refreshing and worth popping into your local store to check the whole line-up out. (8 out of ten).

VOA Reviews by Elton John Fans

Rich from WestChester, New York, USA

“For the 13th time this year, I was blessed with an opportunity to see Elton and the Band and the Choir (in Charlotte) the past Saturday. As was the case at every one of these shows, I cannot really find the words to explain how wonderful all of these experiences have been. As usual, Elton and the gang were in fine form! From the thunder and lighting and opening notes of Weight of the World until the farewell after Your Song, myself and the rest of the Charlotte Crowd were just mesmerized. The Peachtree Road set is such a treat, and the Voice of Atlanta, led by Mr. Adam McKnight, add so much to these shows. They sound fabulous and they are so much fun to watch - and they are having fun too! I'm sure I echo the sentiments of thousands who have seen these shows over the past year that Elton would be well served if he continued to work with this fine group of singers”…..

Joe and Lynsey from Woodleaf, North Carolina

…”While the passion continued for nearly three hours, it was difficult to tell who was having more fun – Elton, the band, the choir, or the fans. ?We all felt our Brown Dirt Cowboy’s presence through Bernie’s lyrics in Turn the Lights Out When You Leave and Porch Swing In Tupelo. The Choir was fantastic as usual, but really cut loose with They Call Her The Cat”….

Maryjo from Harrington Park, New Jersey USA

…The Elton John Concert at Madison Square Garden was by far one of the best I have ever seen. Elton was at his usual perfection and the Band, ‘the boys’ were perfect in every way. ….The Peachtree Road songs along with The Voice Of Atlanta choir, were true to the Elton style that we all love and remember and then of course the Captain Fantastic set was, well, let's say it was Fantastic….

Denice from Harrison, New Jersey, USA

... just when you think Elton can't top himself, you get another incredible Elton event that's just thrilling to experience! Elton, the band, the choir ALL brought chills, smiles, even tears (but joyful ones)... three and a half hours of the best music in the world that seemed to pass in minutes, and I'm glad I didn't miss a second of it.

Larry and Susan from New Jersey, USA

…This is probably the 75th different show I have seen over the years. The Peachtree Road set was fabulous. …The choir, WOW! Elton should forever forward bring them on tour with him. They complement him perfectly. It was great hearing all eight of the songs, especially Weight of the World, great version. I think that is one of Bernie's best lyrics recently….

Michael from New York, USA

…The show felt like three concerts in one: The gorgeous new songs from Peachtree Road, with Elton sounding magnificent and backed by the amazing (and totally adorable) Voice of Atlanta. This portion of the show proved that Elton is still creating vibrant, relevant music that can completely capture a live audience as well…

Carmen from Austin TX, USA

…I would also like to thank the Voice Of Atlanta as they are a great team and complement Elton very well, they make the concerts fun, as I enjoy trying to do their dance moves. I have a front row seat to see Elton in Memphis, and I am on cloud nine….

Michael from New York City, USA

…I’d like to thank the Voice of Atlanta for the wonderful evening of entertainment they provided on September 24th. I'm a singer myself and a confirmed harmony "junkie" and have always preferred singing with others, as opposed to singing solo. During "We All Fall in Love Sometimes/Curtains", I could swear that I heard every individual voice up there on stage and yet their blend was perfection. It was like going to the "church of Elton"!