Adam L. McKnight
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Adam L. McKnight

Lithonia, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1996 | INDIE

Lithonia, Georgia, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 1996
Solo R&B Pop

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Adam - Determination"

There is a song on here - a very, very good song - called Satisfaction Guaranteed. That really does some up my feelings about Adam McKnight and his splendid music. Vocally we are dealing with a real talent and I hear echoes of Luther Vandross, John Whitehead and even Barrington Scott Henderson. Every track is a winner but for me the showstopper is the KILLER "Up There with You". What a beautiful record! This song really is the sort of material that makes a very good album GREAT, and all essential elements fall together perfectly to make one gorgeous song. I was hooked by its beautiful, warm introduction, the smooth and velvety vocals and fluid instrumentation. The backing vocals are also on the nose and this has been one of a number of songs that have hallmarked the recent heat wave thus far of this summer for me musically.

That isn't it, though. The CD is hopeful, socially conscious and brimming with positivity. This is exactly the sort of material I like to hear. "Lets Come Together", "Determination", "Love Can", "Spirit in Love" and "Together We Can" are top notch examples of real soul music with real instrumentation and songwriting. Not many artists can deal with social commentary well, and no-one in the realm of major label could even hope to scratch this quality of artistry. I think this fact has been borne out with the special acknowledgement of Elton John who has enlisted Adam on his UK tour following hearing Adam in his home town of Atlanta - and will be having him backing him for the Live 8 event in early July. Elton is, I know, a keen fan and connoisseur of black music - strongly endorsing Remy Shand a few years back - and this certainly adds a lot of weight to the argument that Adam is sheer Class.

"Determination" is a CD that may appeal to the Gospel aficionados, but as far as I am concerned this is better. Adam really works on the theme of self empowerment and as a tool for encouragement and verve this CD really rocks. The power of love is the strongest theme on this set and "Love Can" administers this concept perfectly. I think this is far, far better than any Gospel set on many fronts. If you love a Southern flavour with plenty of horns then the Malaco-ish "You Inspire Me" will wet your whistle nicely. I can take or leave that sort of sound, but I really love this song. It's happy, bouncy and uplifting, and there is little of that anywhere today, is there?

Incidentally, a jazzy flavour is added with the slinky "Many Times". Another strong, strong track on this strong album. Albums like this stand head and shoulders over the sheer dogs mess of artists who purport to be R&B. Classy, talented, blessed with great insight into life and love, Adam has a great future and hopefully this CD will go far and do him well. Another set that will be in my listings for the best of 2005. Thanks, Adam for a great CD. CD Baby stock this so do drop in and have a sample listen. Essential real soul.

- Barry Towler - Soul Express


"Adam - Determination"

Labeled by his musical friends as a "Vocal Freak of Nature," Atlanta-based Adam McKnight has gained a reputation over the past half decade as a singer's singer. He has been a staple in the Atlanta soul scene and has performed with a number of major artists, including Diana Ross, Aaron Neville and Stevie Wonder. He also co-wrote, performed, produced and independently released the critically acclaimed album Are You Listening for the Gospel group Voice of Atlanta.

McKnight's career highlight came in 2004, when he arranged the background vocals and recorded eight tracks on Elton John's Peachtree Road album and toured with John internationally.

In early 2005, McKnight completed his solo debut album, the independently released Determination. For the uninitiated, Determination is a nice introduction to a simply superb voice. While many would automatically compare McKnight's rich baritone to Luther Vandross, a closer comparison would be to Carl Anderson. In fact, Determination bears resemblance to Anderson's early 90s work with Russ Freeman on GRP Records, with many of the same highs and lows. Like Anderson, McKnight is a uniquely gifted singer working with material that isn't always of equal quality. A large portion of Determination consists of rather generic smooth jazz-type uptempo numbers that lack musical or lyrical distinction, save his consistently strong voice. Things get better on the more authentic jazzy ballad "Many Times" (the album's best cut) and the closing songs "Spirit In Love" and "Together We Can," which sound similar to Luther Vandross's late 80s work with Gregory Hines. It is on these songs where the material is wothy of McKnight's strong vocal performance and where Determination reaches its undisputed high point.

While it is musically inconsistent, I'm glad to have heard Determination and to be introduced to Adam McKnight. I believe he will be a singer to keep and eye on, and one who, with more consistently strong, distinctive material, has the talent to become a major artist. - SoulTracks.com


Discography

Life: Work In Progress (2013) - Adam L. McKnight
- Release Date 10/23/13

The Bright Spots (2013) - Randall Bramblett
-6 tracks background vocals

The Meantime (2010) - Randall Bramblett
- Recorded all background parts on "Driving To Montgomery"
- Appeared in video recording as well

Determination (2005) - Adam
- Available on CDBaby.com, iTunes.com & CDFreedom.com
- Reviewed by music sites SoulExpress, SoulBrother, SoulTracks & SoulWalking

Peachtree Road (2004) - Elton John
- 8 tracks background vocals arranged & performed

Are You Listening (2000) - Voice of Atlanta
- 1st gospel CD as director, producer & vocalist

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Bio

With a captivating personality, unyielding stage presence and an incredible voice, Adam L. McKnight, opens his heart and soul in song!! Performing all styles of music, from R&B to Gospel, Pop and even Opera, Adam amazes and astounds audiences with his natural ability to sing. Performing on-stage in bands since age 13, Adam has settled in comfortably as not just a singer, but also an entertainer, putting his heart and soul into every song he sings and enjoying the experience.
As a testament to Adams musical ability & vocal talents, in October 2003 & January 2004, he had the extreme pleasure of arranging background vocals & recording with the legendary Sir Elton John, on new music for the Broadway musical Lestat and for his critically acclaimed CD Peachtree Road released Fall, 2004. In addition, Adam along with members of his choir, Voice of Atlanta, completed a yearlong tour with Sir Elton nationally and internationally, including performances at Madison Square Garden for Katrina victims relief and Live 8 in London.
He has also lent his vocal talents to such national recording artists as Randall Bramblett, Scooter Lee & Cee-Lo. He has recorded with Grammy award winners Train and producers Ed Roland & Phil Tan.
Adam has been featured soloist on many nationally televised events in all genres of music including performances with The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the Democratic National Convention. He has performed on stage with such noted celebrities as Stevie Wonder, B.B.King, Diana Ross, Gloria Estefan, Lou Gossett Jr., Robert Wagner, Faith Hill, Aaron Neville, Kelly Price, the Pointer Sisters and the Temptations. He has recorded commercial spots for the Georgia Lottery, TNT Sports, ESPN Radio, Black & Decker, Cellular One and has arranged and sung on a special song for Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. And as The Voice of Starlight International LLC, Adam has entertained and motivated countless corporate audiences throughout the US, Asia and Europe.
Adams theater experience includes leading roles in Black Nativity, Eubie, Bubblin Brown Sugar and more recently LEAP & Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel with the Regional Theatre Tony Award winning Alliance Theater at the Woodruff Arts Center.
As a past Board member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, Adam enjoys the respect of the music arts community.