ALBUM REVIEWS : **** GEORGE ADAMS “America” <i> Blue Note</i> :<i> Albums are rated from one star (poor) to five stars (a classic). </i>

Tenor saxophonist Adams takes an interesting risk with this collection of songs from what he calls the “mainstream of Americana.” Pieces like “Old Folks at Home,” “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner” are not exactly the usual stuff of which jazz improvisations are made. For the most part, it pays off. Adams’ big blowzy sound and brusquely rhythmic articulation bring a vigorous, almost folk-like slant to these familiar songs. Adams’ vocals on two originals, “Motivation” and “Have You Thanked America?,” and the classic “Old Folks” add further seasoning to an unusual contemporary jazz outing.