Mark Adams has been at the center of neo-soul and jazz-funk for decades—keyboardist, arranger, and longtime musical director for Roy Ayers.
With This Is Neo-Soul, he isn’t just revisiting a legacy; he’s expanding it. The album brings together veterans from Ayers, Chic, Lonnie Liston Smith, Luther Vandross, Gloria Gaynor, and Chaka Khan’s bands, translating decades of experience into a sound that’s alive, modern, and unmistakably Adams.
This interview dives into the journey, the craft, and the moments behind the music—straight from the keys and mind of one of the true heirs to the Ayers sound.
Parlé Mag: Mark, how did your two decades working with Roy Ayers shape your musical outlook? How did those experiences influence your vision for This Is Neo-Soul?
Mark Adams: It shaped my musical outlook in a huge way. It also allowed me to work with other artists and continue to learn and grow. These experiences influenced my vision for This Is Neo-Soul because this is the first record I’ve done this way — with vocals on every song, and it’s very danceable. This was David Schwartz’s vision. I loved the idea and figured I would try something new.
Parlé Mag: After years as Roy’s musical director, what does it mean to finally release a project that continues his legacy?
Mark Adams: It feels great and means a lot to me because Roy is a legend. People all over the world love his music, and it should continue to be heard live.
Parlé Mag: The album is described as a living evolution of neo-soul, not just a tribute. How do you see neo-soul as a constantly growing art form?
Mark Adams: All genres of music have always evolved and grown in many different ways, so I don’t see neo-soul as being any different.
Parlé Mag: You assembled an incredible lineup of veterans from bands like Chic, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Luther Vandross. How did you bring these legends together?
Mark Adams: I know these musicians and have worked with them in other musical situations, so it was really just a matter of scheduling.
Parlé Mag: Influences from Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Gil Scott-Heron run deep. How do their sounds inspire and shape this record?
Mark Adams: Their sounds inspired me in a huge way because their music was danceable and fun, and that’s what I was going for — along with a ’70s sound.
Parlé Mag: Roy Ayers was like a father figure to you. Can you share a lesson or memory that still guides your music today?
Mark Adams: Roy would always encourage me to let my mind go, express myself from my heart, and always play with passion.
Parlé Mag: The album was recorded live and then remixed into dance tracks. How did you balance the organic jazz-fusion feel with modern electronic elements?
Mark Adams: When the tracks were first recorded, I kept tempo in mind during the organic sessions, which made it easier to blend the feel with the electronic elements later.
Parlé Mag: Tracks like “Vibrations” and “Expansions” reimagine classic Ayers sounds. How do you approach updating these timeless pieces?
Mark Adams: I approached it by adding my own flavor with updated arrangements, which helps the songs sound like me while still honoring the originals.
Parlé Mag: Why is vinyl so important to you and DownJazz Records’ philosophy — especially in today’s digital age?
Mark Adams: This was David Schwartz’s vision, and once I understood it, I was all in. We created a ’70s-sounding album, so having it released on vinyl makes sense. It’s also coming out on digital platforms. Vinyl lets you touch and feel the music.
Parlé Mag: The remix album features producers like DJ Spinna and Kaidi Tatham. How did you select these artists, and what do you hope they add?
Mark Adams: David Schwartz selected the DJs, and I believe they’ll add a fantastic dance flavor to the record. These DJs are from all over the world and truly love Roy Ayers and his music.
Parlé Mag: Roy’s passing during production adds a layer of emotion. How did his absence influence the mood and message of This Is Neo-Soul?
Mark Adams: It really didn’t influence it much at all. It was a sad moment, but we looked at the bigger picture — his spiritual life as opposed to his physical death.
Parlé Mag: As a veteran in neo-soul and jazz-fusion, what’s the genre’s biggest strength today, and how does this album push it forward?
Mark Adams: Improvisation — and more of it. That’s how we pushed both this album and the genre forward.
Parlé Mag: What do you want listeners to take away from both the core album and the remixes?
Mark Adams: To dance, smile, and have fun.
Parlé Mag: Any upcoming projects or collaborations that continue this musical journey?
Mark Adams: No, I’m focused on promoting this album at the moment.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you give young artists who want to honor neo-soul’s roots while pushing the genre ahead?
Mark Adams: Perform authentically and with passion. People will feel that and connect with it.
Stay connected with Mark Adams
markadamsjazz.com
