Conversations by Mark Adams is a very exciting album. The piano virtuoso's exciting and gregarious recordings shows an ivory command that is captivating. Impressing with a playful and melodic, elegant Funk style reminiscent of Alex Bugnon and Bob Baldwin, Adams is all joy on thumpy, elegant gems like 'New Beginnings' and 'Conversations,' which feature lively, busy arrangements and an obvious sense of traditional Jazz. Adams' commitment to tossing his straight-ahead influence into the pop mix is very refreshing. This is a Soul/Jazz release that anyone will be able to enjoy.