I'm On The Move

Having made a comeback in the '90s touring with guitarist Johnnie Bassett, Detroit blues diva Alberta Adams has lived a life of music and hard times. A dancer in her teens, Adams eventually started singing and counts gigs with such blues luminaries as Louis Jordan and T-Bone Walker as high points in her long career. There were also low points that found Adams caring for her alcoholic mother and battling an addiction to gambling. Through it all, though, Adams persevered and now in her latter years she brings all her experiences to bear on I'm on the Move. This second release on Eastlawn finds Adams at the top of her game and seeming to enjoy herself. Her voice oozes with a seasoned blues singer's gruffness, but never falters on pitch, and she knows exactly how to phrase a line. Despite some of her darker days, Adams also brings a wicked sense of humor to the proceedings; on the title track she sings, "If you can't keep up with me, I'll find another man." Backing Adams here are the ever capable drummer R.J. Spangler and guitarist Paul Carey who also share production duties. Both longtime Detroiters, the duo add an electric R&B aesthetic to the proceedings riding nicely between gutbucket shouters, mid-tempo swing and funky urban blues.