Album Review: Jim Adkins

Updated: Aug 10

Artist: Jim Adkins

Album: Soul Expression Release 2022 Jim Adkins is a Virginia based contemporary jazz guitarist that is an exceptional musician and composer. His playing and tone are as smooth as it gets, reminding me of the legends in the genre like Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour. He has received several awards, the most notable being the 1999 Billboard Song Contest Award for 2nd place in the Jazz category for the song Wind Dancing. The song was featured on the Billboard Annual Song Contest CD Volume II. Wind Dancing was also selected out of more than 50,000 songs to be included on MP3s 103 of the Best Songs You've Never Heard Volume I which was distributed to over 250,000 music fans. Soul Expression is a ten song set that is clearly focused on Jim's world class guitar skills. His compositions are mature and played with heart. One of the things I like about smooth jazz guitar playing is it is always easy on the ears. It has the hip chords, but not much dissonance. It tends to be in 4/4 time more often than not, making it a nice listen for people that aren't musicians, but still satisfying to the musician, because it takes restraint, knowledge and skill to deliver it well. Clearly Jim Adkins has done his homework on all fronts. Soul Expression is a song that fits the title perfectly and was the right choice to be the title track. Jim's playing is inspiring with its patience, never leaving the space that makes the smooth jazz genre appealing to its fan base. He most definitely has fantastic chops, but keeps them at bay on this one for the sake of serving a great song with a wonderful vibe. The very next track on the record, Passing Through was another one of my favorites. It is a stellar example of the depth of his playing, starting with his ability to write a memorable melody. His tone couldn't be more fitting for the music, which is a testament to his hands, not his amplifier. The playing is funky and filled with all the smooth jazz techniques that make the players within the genre interesting. The octaves that Wes Montgomery taught us all, double stops and fantastic phrasing. This cut is a tour de force in terms of contemporary jazz guitar playing!

Run It is a bluesy cut with Motown leanings that I really enjoyed. An upbeat song with horn pops and a perfect guitar run at 1:47 that sits like butter on warm bread. I don't often hear blues in smooth jazz players, with the exception of Larry Carlton. But after hearing this track I get the sense that Jim has listened to a fair share of blues as well. It's all in the bends and an occasional flat five that screams the fingerprints of three King's!

Soul Expression is an absolutely fantastic contemporary jazz release that features a guitar player that has all the tools in his bag. Jim Adkins reminds me of Chuck Loeb in the way that he can put all the complex and simple pieces together. It sounds like it has been effortlessly wrapped into a silky smooth blanket that showcases an exceptionally deep understanding of the genre and how the guitar sits and shines within it.

https://www.radioguitarone.com/post/album-review-jim-adkins

Smoothjazz.com review

JIM ADKINS

Soul ExpressionJim Adkins

In a recent interview connected with the release of Jim Adkins’ latest album SOUL EXPRESSION, the versatile veteran guitarist said it all about his multi-faceted artistry when he talked about the inspiration for the title, “It all comes from within as an expression of my soul.” Nearly 25 years into his award-winning, regularly charting recording career, the Grammy nominated musician is still mixing up a non-stop, cool swirl of varying vibes and energies centered on his alternately crisp/crackling and sensually fluid lines. Complementing a batch of high-spirited originals with a bluesy, slow burning twist on an Ed Sheeran classic, Adkins brings his jazzy hipster magic to tracks that rock, jazz, immerse us in mystical romance and take us to balmy tropical clime

Smoothjazz.com Global

https://www.smoothjazz.com/loft

“Jim Adkins – The Journey Guitarist Jim Adkins has a wonderful new release called The Journey. I have been on the journey with this guitarist ever since I first heard his 2002 release Turning Point, a fantastic presentation of some of the best and smoothest compositions I’d heard to date. That CD still ranks extremely high with me, but I must say that this latest may well be his best display of hollow body and nylon string work thus far. Turning another page with sweet melodies now becoming the sweetest of melodies, the album is, from the lead track to the finale, a true masterpiece in my eyes. Impressive fluidity accompanies each piece here, and there is a sense that you could dance off into the night content with just having had the music as your dance partner. The lead and title track beckons to many other artists throughout the C-jazz world to “step up to the plate” and to the level of this silky and full-bodied charm. No doubt that, in our world of super-competent smooth jazz artists, many will meet that challenge, but you must hand it to Adkins for initiating the call just by producing such a tightly composed album, an album that absolutely serenades the masses with beauty and poise. Thirteen years have passed since my introduction to Adkins, and I am truly grateful that his work crossed my path back then. Now, come along, hop on the Adkins Express, and take this exciting Journey. – Ronald Jackson ” - Ronald Jackson

— The Smooth Jazz Ride

“ JIM ADKINS The Journey Clear Image Records Though he’s based in Central Virginia and has won numerous awards from V.O.C.A.L. (Virginia Organization of Composers and Lyricists), guitarist Jim Adkins’ picture perfect melodies, tight snappy pocket grooves and soulful blues and rock influences have been heard all over the world, from the U.S. to Europe to Indonesia and Australia. A popular independent recording artist since the late 1990s, Adkins continues to embrace THE JOURNEY on his infectious and dynamic fifth album, whose tracks include the lively, spirited acoustic-driven “Time With You”; the slick, funked-up electric title track; the whimsical old school R&B flavored “The Secret Place”; and a colorful, improvisation-rich venture “Into the Storm.” The Billboard Song Contest winner also includes a graceful cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love,” followed by a raucous blues jam that heralds “A New Horizon.” THE JOURNEY is a passionate, musical adventure you won’t want to miss out on! ~JONATHAN WIDRAN ” - Jonathan Widran

— Smoothjazz.com

“Jim Adkins - The Journey Back in 2008 I described guitarist Jim Adkins as one of the smoothest players around. At the time his album ‘City Streets’ served, for me, as a wonderful discovery and the fact it did not propel him to fast-track stardom remains one of those unsolved conundrums that, from time to time, plague the smooth jazz genre. Now he is back with the equally good ‘The Journey’ which offers up a whole new opportunity for Adkins to find a wider audience. Truth to tell there is much to admire in this well constructed nine song set and a case in point is the pleasing vibe of ‘49th & Broadway’ that has all the street-wise attitude its title suggests it should. Equally good (and staying with the roadway theme) ‘Highway 12’ is an appropriately free-wheeling number and although ‘A New Horizon’ proves to be an evocatively bluesy gem the feisty ‘Time With You’ has something of a country meets smooth jazz feel to it that works remarkably well. The CD’s only cover version is a sultry take on Sade’s ‘No Ordinary Love’ that first appeared on her 1992 album ‘Love Deluxe’ while elsewhere the opening (and title) tune provides just the right amount of edge to counterbalance Adkins sublimely smooth playing. Talking of edge, ‘The Secret Place’ takes Adkins into somewhat laid back territory where touches of sax from Rick Elliott add some texture and later, when sax duties pass to Rob Holmes, he helps deliver ‘Into The Storm’ which with a tight, ‘in the pocket’ groove is arguably the collection’s best track. However, right up there with it, ‘So Far So Good’ is a splendid slice of mid tempo contemporary jazz played with Adkins’ unmistakably mellifluous style. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed. More about Jim Adkins - He has been recording since 1998 when he released the appropriately titled ‘Just Chillin’ and continued in 2001 with ‘Turning Point’. ‘License To Play’ followed in 2004. ” - Denis Poole

— Smooth Jazz Therapy

“Jim Adkins: The Journey 8/4/2015 04/08/2015 DETAIL ALBUM DETAIL ALBUM Tracks: Tracks: The Journey The Journey Time With You Time With You So Far So Good So Far So Good The Secret Place The Secret Place 49th & Broadway 49th & Broadway Highway 12 Highway 12 Into The Storm Into The Storm No Ordinary Love No Ordinary Love A New Horizon A New Horizon Songwriter and guitarist Jim Adkins from Virgina came discussed here in 2008 with his album 'City Streets'. It was fine smooth jazz music, although unknown, he still could compete with the more familiar names. He won 2nd in the 1999 Billboard Song Contest in the jazz category. He owns eight Awards in V(irginia) O(rganization) (for) C(omposers) (and) L(yricist). His music has been heard around the world, from the USA to here in Europe and even in Australia. He mixes smooth jazz with soul, blues and rock influences. He does once again on his 6th album, which are 8 original tracks and one cover. The CD opens with the title track, which sounds smooth and pleasant. The lively and acoustic 'Time With You "follows, and the equally cheerful" So Far So Good "beyond hops. R&B is the inspiration for the relaxed "The Secret Place" followed by the sprightly "49th & Broadway. 'Highway 12' sounds a bit bluesy, and 'Into The Storm' you hear Rob Holmes's sax. This is a relaxing song, one of the best on the CD. Then Jim Covert, Sade's hit "No Ordinary Love" on a guitar with nylon strings. Very nice! The rock-like "A New Horizon" he concludes. Jim certainly knows how to charm with this very interesting contemporary musical journey! Patrick Van de Wiele (4½) Patrick Van de Wiele (4½) A very nice contemporary musical smooth jazz journey with hints of soul, blues and rock. ” - Patrick Van de Wiele

— Keys and Chords

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“December 13, 2008 Jim Adkins -- City Streets Jim Adkins is one of those gifted, quality musicians whose guitar has that calming tendency while losing none of the tell-tale soulful yet subtle funk that’s often intermixed in smooth jazz in varying degrees. Adkins has the right formula for the mix, and it works every time for me. With a magnetic style, beckoning hooks, and high-end melodies, he is noted for stroking the notes of a well-constructed chord as if he were stroking a delicate flower or a lovely woman. On his latest project, City Streets, the highs, the lows, the midrange are all perfectly calibrated and send forth such magical tone that it’s no wonder that this guy stays at the top of his game with each recording. City Streets is truly a continuation of Adkins’ clear insight and vision with respect to the smoothest of jazz guitar. The title and opening track is very indicative of the ride he will engineer when you hear this. This is all so cool-air refreshing, such that it will melt away your cares if only for the lilting time you spend with this recording. You almost have to set aside some Jim Adkins time each day to put things in proper perspective and maybe realize that there is a positive solution to whatever bugs you in your life at the moment. There are several cuts here to absolutely love (I couldn’t find one that begged exception). However, one that simply mesmerized me was “Mystic Vista,” which carries such a heady exoticism about it, even in its moderate tempo cadence, because of its eloquently structured melody, hook, and riffs. In one word: Wow! Then again, you’ll find plenty on this set that strive to rival it, and, in the opinions of many of you, some cuts will rival it. In my eyes, Jim Adkins has easily established himself as a serious force in this genre. In the eyes of his colleagues and fans, he definitely should be there. For smooth jazzers who’ve yet to experience him, I’m sure you will easily place him there after one good listen. Grab this one and covet it as a masterful production from a masterful artist who obviously aims to please. Posted by Ronald Jackson at December 13, 2008 7:31 PM ” - Ronald Johnson

— Smoothvibes.com

“Jim Adkins - City Streets Guitarist Jim Adkins is one of the smoothest players around. His credits as a composer include the tune ‘Wind Dancing’ for which he claimed second prize in the 1999 Billboard Song Contest yet the fact that this song went on to be included on MP3s ‘103 of the Best Songs You've Never Heard’ speaks volumes. Indeed, although his music is as accessible as any around today he remains something of a buried treasure and for Smooth Jazz Therapy his brand new album ‘City Streets’ has been a wonderful discovery. It is the latest in a sequence of CD releases that started back in 1998 with the appropriately titled ‘Just Chillin’ and continued with the 2001 ‘Turning Point’. ‘License To Play’ followed in 2004. Now with ‘City Streets’ he is back with nine original compositions and one choice cover that can only serve to enhance his kudos as a purveyor of ‘in the pocket’ smooth jazz. Mid tempo is where Adkins works well and the ultra smooth ‘Lost In The Moment’ is a great example of his art. In fact one delicious tune after another keeps on flowing by and as the dazzling ‘Lost In Love’ gives way to the happy vibe of ‘Feels Good,’ Adkins continues to weave his relaxing web with the very Peter White like ‘After The Rain’. Its languid Latin undertone is totally addictive and Adkins retains the Latin theme for ‘Mystic Vista’ which has all the rhythm and melody you will ever need. Although a little moodier, ‘Out And About’ is no less appealing whilst the albums only cover is Adkins re-imagining of Al Green’s ‘Lets Stay Together’. The fact he caresses this soulful number into a tranquil delight is totally indicative of his style but when with ‘Curtain Call’ he takes the chance to turn things a little bluesy he demonstrates to perfection that he is far from being a one trick smooth jazz pony. Despite that, the evocative ‘Manhattan’ finds him at his very best. Loaded with the understated energy of the place from which the song takes its name, and embellished by cool sax from Rosshan Monroe, it is clearly one of the CD’s outstanding tracks. However, just shading it is the excellent title cut. This superbly tight slice of smooth jazz finds trumpeter Bill McGee (whose own CD ‘Chase The Sunset’ was reviewed in these pages back in January of 2007) in tremendous form while picture perfect playing from Adkins fuses the entire piece together in a joyous way. ‘City Streets’ is a terrific album and comes highly recommended. For more go to www.jimadkinsmusic.com ”

— Smooth Jazz Therapy