By Franki LaMantia, UrbanZonePush Productions, New York City, New York

“Yo’ into somethin’ bro,” was Mike Clark’s comment to Tony Adamo when he heard Adamo’s new vocalize/hip spoken word. This was the deciding moment when Clark, legendary drummer and co-leader of the Headhunters, formerly (Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters) decided to produce Adamo’s new CD. The recording site was Owl Studio Records (Static Shack Studios), Indianapolis, Indiana. Clark started things off by bringing in super percussionist and long time Headhunter band member, Bill Summers who laid down his percussion tracks at an earlier recording session along with Rob Dixon (tenor, alto and keyboards), and Gary Mielke (bass, keyboards). Two Owl recording artists Derrick Gardner (trumpet) and Pharez Whitted (trumpet) added their mojo jazz/funk chops to Adamo’s tracks while playing alongside Dixon in the horn section. In December, the final touch of hipness will be added when Stephen “Doc” Kupka, co-founder of Tower of Power, adds his signature horn sound to Adamo’s re-groove of two TOP hits. The music foundation for Adamo’s new hip sound is Delbert Bump (organ), Steve Homen (guitar), Brett Palm (bass), and Mike Clark (drums). Dixon and Mielke co-producers of the Headhunters new PLATINUM, will mix and master Adamo’s new CD. Live audiences will soon get hip to Tony Adamo and the Nu-Masters of Funk, featuring Mike Clark.

Associate Artists:
Tower of Power Horns: Stephen “Doc” Kupka, Mic Gillette, Skip Mesquite, Tom Politzer The Headhunters: Mike Clark, Paul Jackson, BlackByrd McKnight, Rob Dixon, Gary Mielke, Bill Summers, Richie Goods

Jazz Greats: Eddie Henderson, Ernie Watts, Steve Gadd, James Gadson, Kenneth Nash, Neil Larsen, Freddie Washington, Delbert Bump, Steve Homan,Derrick Gardner, Pharez Whitted.

Website: Strokeland Jazz Presents Tony Adamo - What Is Hip?