R&B, pop and gospel star Oleta Adams continued the new Rrazz Room’s presentation of the very best artists in their respective genres with an uplifting, soulful retrospective of her best material as well as some samplings of her upcoming CD.

Adams has a sensational voice and accompanied herself on grand piano with a rocking backup band that includes her husband and musical director John  Cushon on drums. "Rhythm of Life," "Power of Sacrifice" and "Power of Love" kicked the show into full gear and along with Oleta’s oft funny banter, had the audience relaxed and grooving. There were inspirational songs about parental love ("Safe and Sound") and healing ("Lonely Hours") and a song about the torment of physical abuse ("Ain’t No Way to Love Me"). During the ballads you could hear a pin drop, Adams clean strong voice commanding your attention. "Don’t Explain," the Billie Holiday standard, was haunting and visceral.

Guitarist Jimmie Dykes and the band went for broke on a hot hot hot rendition of Al Green’s "Let’s Stay Together," glided through a rousing "Circle of One" and nailed a beautiful encore of "Everything Must Change." Oleta Adams is charming, professional and extremely gifted. Her fans already knew that and now I do too.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
June 4, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org