Those with an affinity for not-so-Southern country and not-too-edgy rock might look for a stylistic space that exists somewhere between George Strait and Jason Mraz — the land of Hootie, Dave Matthews and Sister Hazel. The Jason Adamo Band on the other hand: look elsewhere.
Adamo’s falsetto is stifled by the quiet, forgettable instrumentation of his band. He’s forced to subdue what he’d be more suited belting out. Each song’s end brings no sense of resolve, but instead a lingering sense that he didn’t say anything quite as passionately as he’d planned.
But Adamo’s voice is still the highlight of Bricks & Mortar. And it flourishes most when he sings with Katelyn Clampett on “Be My Mary.” These two complement each other with matching levels of soulfulness and vocal command. Bricks & Mortar is easy listening because it doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary — it’s all too familiar territory that Adamo fails to expand.
The Jason Adamo Band
Bricks & Mortar
?Country/rock
Dive Verdict: 2 1/2 of 5 stars
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