Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine
Adam Nitti
"Liminal"
www.adamnitti.com
First, a definition:
"Liminal - of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition"
If this is an intermediate phase for Adam, I can't wait to see where the road takes him!
Let me start this review with a story:
In 2001, I attended the Victor Wooten Bass/Nature camp. It was an
all around wonderful experience but one teacher really left an
impression on me more than any other. Adam had not only an
incredibly kind and warm demeanor and a way of explaining things in a
way in which you immediately "got it" but he really walked the talk in
so many regards... for example, in an epic bass jam with Adam,
Steve Bailey, Victor, JD Blair and Reggie Wooten on Guitar, Adam was
the only guy who would step back and simplify to best serve the music
and provide a foundation. He is as capable as any up there of
trading licks and blowing chops, but he put the music first. I
watched him intently and just kept thinking ,"Man.. this guy's
musical ego is REALLY intact and he's doing everything to make the
music FEEL good regardless of whether or not he gets overshadowed in
the process". Now THAT impressed me far more than any solo played
that night. That is why Adam is such a wonderful MUSICIAN (and
why he's such a busy one!). It's this approach that really comes
through in this (long awaited) release...
There is studying a plenty to be done by bass players here!
Adam's bass lines are supremely interesting, his soloing is masterful
and his pocket is deep, but Adam seems to command a higher level of
musicianship and that translates throughout every member of the
band. There is a common thread of groove and southern comfort
(not the drink) in these compositions with plenty of room for group
dynamics and interaction. I was also immediately struck by the
tasty B-3 work on the album and was pleasantly surprised to see Johnny
Neel's name. I had the pleasure of playing with Johnny a few
years ago at a festival in Idaho (I think?) and he is one of those guys
that just emotes pure joy, taste and love in his music. A prefect
fit, in my opinion, for Adam's album.
For those looking for a good study, look no further. Amazing slap
work, tasteful tapping, sweeping arpeggiatic runs, solos that leave
your jaw on the floor and some of the coolest bass lines and grooves
I've heard in some time.
And for those just looking for some good music, it doesn't feel much
better than this! My wife, who has an extremely critical ear,
walked by as I was listening to "Redemption Street" and actually said,
"wow... that feels nice! Who is that?". If that
doesn't convince you, you obviously haven't met my wife!
This is Nashville's A-list doing what they do best! This is also
what is so special about Nashville... Music coming out of
Nashville is inherently "listenable" and it's a rare album that can
serve both the needs of us as musicians to:
(a) enjoy a musical journey and float along for the ride
but also
(b) as technicians who need something to chew on, transcribe, analyze and dig into in our quest for technical mastery.
This album serves us well in every regard. Alpha and Beta.. it's all there!
