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In between, there have been such great albums as Turning Point (2001), License To Play (2004), City Streets (2008), and The Journey (2015). His latest album contains one cover version, but otherwise exclusively original compositions. At the recording Jim was joined by his friends Matthew Steele (bass), Lance Dickerson (keyboards), Gerard Johnson (keyboards, percussion), Rob Holmes (sax), Bill Evans (piano), Steve Brooks (organ, keyboards), Logan Tucker (keyboards), and Keith Horn (bass). Please refer to the credits for details. The album opens with Night Groove, that lives up to its name. Superior playing style that quickly gives the certainty with targeted chords that you have found a smooth jazz gold piece. Lance Dickerson adds flattering LA keyboard sounds that round it out perfectly. Jim does not disappoint in any way with the following uplifting See The Light either. The aptly titled A Reason To Smile creates musical feelings of happiness. Gerard Johnson shines on the keys. We always expect a title song to excel in composition and affectivity. Soul Expression proves that Jim doesn't just rely on his own creativity, but likes to borrow more subtly based on his excellent knowledge of great guitar music. Passing Through presents a collaboration between Jim and Rob Holmes on sax. The cover of Ed Sheeran's romantic ballad Thinking Out Loud has no problems triggering the same enthusiasm as the original due to the song's high emotional potential. Come A Little Closer seamlessly joins the series of gentle ballads with which Jim lives up to his reputation as a romantic. Some religious character shimmers through on Answered Prayers, where Jim's elegant playing is fully convincing. Stylistically completely different is Pink Sand Paradise, which lures with Caribbean flair. Run It comes along a bit more briskly. Matthew Steele accompanies Jim's rocking guitar performance with harmonic horn arrangement. The album is completed at the end with a shortened version of Passing Through.
Jim Adkins' Soul Energy is recommended not only but especially
for smooth jazz fans of fine guitar music.
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Album Information
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In
1998 I have bought Jim Adkins' debut album Just Chillin and was
deeply impressed by his guitar music. Twenty four years later I renew my
knowledge about this guitar maestro with his album Soul Expression
(2022).
