On Friday 16 November 2012, renowned musicians Brian Jackson, Mark Adams, and Lonnie Liston Smith joined the stage for Legends of Jazz Funk aka A Soulful Night of Keys at The Hideaway in The UK. A touching tribute to Roy Ayers highlighted the night with a cover performance of "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" which features an electrifying performance by Mark on the vibes and a nice added touches of George Benson-style guitar-layered vocals. It's clear Mark aimed to tap into the musical essence and spirit of Roy Ayers on this performance, showing how timeless and unique of a song "Sunshine" really is.

Enjoy a few more performances after "Sunshine" from Brian Jackson, Mark Adams, and Lonnie Liston Smith from A Soulful Night of Keys 2012 event in the playlist above, including a collaboration between the 3 musicians on Lonnie's classic cosmic-Jazz tune "Expansions".

Mark Adams, the bassist of renowned band Slave during the 70's and 80's passed away in 2011. Slave, a group which was formed in Dayton, Ohio by Steve Washington in 1975 spawned nearly a decade of funky dance classics backed by the unmistakable talent and performance of the late, great Mark Adams.

This 2 hour episode of WDKK radio from 2011 is an all-star affair which not only pays tribute to the music of Mark Adams, but highlights an important part of Ohio's Funk legacy through influential guest speaking musicians and his close friends. D.A. Williams is joined by Mark's fellow Slave band member and vocalist Steve Arrington, Reggie Callaway of Midnight Star and The Callaways plus Mark Wood of Lakeside along with his co-host Wardell Potts Jr. of Dynasty to talk about the contribution of Mark Adams and the legacy he left.

For those who really appreciate the work of these popular bands of the 70's and 80's, each speaker gives great insight into their music-making process, influences and stories from recording in the studio. In this interview, Steve Arrington who sung and played drums on the Slave classic "Just A Touch" with Mark Adams says his late friend has the best recorded sound of bass ever.

This episode brings together the timeless music of Ohio's Funk scene, an event you'll most likely want to keep for your archives. Enjoy!

Since I got the unfortunate news about Mark's passing in March I've had his music resonating in my mind more than usual, as I'm sure everyone else does who is impacted by the funky, unique style of bass playing he contributed towards an number of feel-good jams during the 70's and 80's. I bring this mix by EJ Flavors for remembrance, inspiration and good listening.

I identify Mark's work with the joyful party vibe of 80's R&B in large way due to his unmistakable style on the bass and collaborations with other musicians who complimented his sound very well such as Odyssey and Slave. My first time hearing Mark Adams and Slave was most likely De La Soul's "Keepin' The Faith" which samples Slave's "Just A Touch", one of the funkiest bass lines I've ever heard.

Enjoy this mix, EJ Flavors has pulled the best of Mark Adams for your listening enjoyment.







Words about Slave bassist Mark Adams and tracklisting from EJ Flavors:

Mark “Hansolo” Adams, the bassist of Slave, and quite possibly the funkiest bass player of all time, has transitioned. He is gone, but will never be forgotten.

01 – Slide
02 – Spice Of Life
03 – Party Lites
04 – Wait For Me
05 – Inside Out – Odyssey
06 – Watching You
07 – Just A Touch Of Love
08 – Dreamin’
09 – Snapshot
10 – Steal Your Heart