Terry Adams was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and is best known for his work in NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) whose music ran the gamut from blues, country, jazz, pop and rock. NRBQ was well respected for their versatile and vibrant live performances. Adams' aggressive approach to the piano has drawn comparisons to Jerry Lee Lewis but Terry builds on that legacy taking it to his own lofty level. Adams is currently playing and performing in the Terry Adams Rock and Roll Quartet and the legendary entertainer has surrounded himself with youthful and hungry performers who are loaded with talent. The band is Terry Adams - piano, Scott Ligon - guitar, Pete Donnelly - bass and Conrad Choucroun - drums.

Drew Eckmann has been hosting house concerts at his lakeside home in Ringwood, New Jersey for a decade now and he has featured many well known musicians in the acoustically friendly confines of his living room. The Terry Adams show featured a full PA and band set-up and by several accounts this may have been the best Cupsaw concert yet. There was something about the energy, musicianship and four-part harmonies provided by the performers that left the viewer feeling history had just been witnessed. The cozy venue and vintage rock served as a time machine and had us thinking, "Is this what seeing The Beatles in The Caravan was like?"

The Terry Adams Rock and Roll Quartet is an energetic and enthusiastic live band. Their extensive set list was an eclectic mix of county, jazz and rockabilly. All four are talented musicians and formulate a tight team. The Quartet opened with a sassy song that echoed of old school rock. It was enhanced by the slightly twangy guitar tuning utilized by Scott throughout the show. Ligon also handled lead vocals on a number of tunes. His smooth style worked especially well in the softer, sentimental songs yet he was strong on the rousing rockers too.

Scott Ligon was an engaging singer with diverse guitar skills.

The rhythm team (Pete and Conrad) were solid adding plunk and spunk to the many up-tempo pieces and proper pacing for the slower songs. Band leader and singer Terry Adams was animated and apt. Terry approached his two keyboards from many angles. At times it appeared that he was just tapping the ivories. On other occasions he was slapping the keys to produce sounds. Adams played traditionally and used assorted techniques for additional textures and tones.

The Terry Adams Rock and Roll Quartet maintained the NRBQ legacy with their vibrant and versatile song choices from the NRBQ catalogue including "Green Light", "That's Neat That's Nice", "Don't She Look Good?", "Yes, Yes, Yes", "The Music Goes Round and Round" and "A Girl Like That".

Tunes from Terry's most recent record Holy Tweet - including "Never Cop Out" and "Key to my Pants" - were also seamlessly mixed into the set. Guitarist and singer Scott Ligon impressed us with his old school sensibilities and showmanship. His own number "Florida" shined brightly with sunny harmonies and precise delivery.

The Band: Pete Donnelly - bass; Conrad Chacroun - drums; Terry Adams - piano; Scott Ligon - guitar.

A surprise guest for the evening was Chie Kodama of enigmatic Hot Shots who play traditional rockabilly and roots with a Japanese spin. Terry Adams produced the band's latest Teen Street and the charming performer came out armed with an acoustic and joined the band for "Think of Me" and "Heart and Soul" - handling lead vocals on the songs that ranged from catchy to country flavored.

The Quartet played more than three dozen diverse songs and instrumental excursions including "My Girl" which was giddy and included gaps for piano parts that had an almost church like effect. "Same Train" was upbeat and moved at an even pace. After a two-song encore the audience remained on their feat for over five minutes demanding one more song until the band complied by literally riding off into the sunset on a "White Horse".

The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet shook the lake with a selection of songs that spanned the past and present in a format that was fresh and feisty and they almost knocked the house off its foundation with their rowdy roots rock!

Chie Kodama of The Hot Shots was a special guest on two songs.

Related Links: For more information on The Terry Adams Rock & Roll Quartet and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Terry Adams Online

(Originally Published on May 05, 2009)