Adel's
Hot Rod Tracks

Fun.

Pure and unbridled fun: it's the mix that fuels every time the audience of an Adel's show.

I remember the first time I saw them live, a few years ago. In my area, it was a hot summer evening, arid, sweaty, thirsty. The debut of this trio of madmen, who seemed to come from the set of those films (specifically from the school dance scenes...) that focus on the youthful American revival of the '50s. What strange proposal will they bring to the table in an attempt to involve us? This was the leitmotif of those present before their performance. One appears with an old double bass, another with a skimpy drum set including a bass drum, a snare, and a couple of cymbals, and the third, the one with the banana, with a guitar that no one had ever seen. An area uninformed about such things, but the audience hadn't considered one thing: those three come from the crazy Rockabilly planet, where every inhibition is banned! By the end of the night, excitement was through the roof for everyone, adrenaline at full throttle.

The Adels had conquered the night of that God-forsaken piece of hill. Thanks to a round of beer offered, I approached for compliments and the usual post-show chats. With the help of more beer, the chat would continue until late into the night. In the person of Diego "Rockin" Geraci, guitarist, singer, and seasoned frontman, Giuseppe "Joe Rullalo" Falzone on drums, and Fabio "Fabulous 5" Cinque on double bass, the Adels of the stage give way to three unique, genuinely demodé guys by nature and somewhat by intent, passionate about what they do, sparkling, outgoing, ironic, with the lightness of their boundless culture. Diego is an incredible character, a charismatic Brian Setzer with a strong personality, who used to wrestle the Caltanissetta City Council in attempts to erect a statue in honor of his hero, Louis Prima.

It was 2003, and at that time, they were promoting their latest work, "Hot Rod Tracks," with an artwork that speaks for itself. Of course, after the thrill of their performance, the copies they brought to sell to the public were snatched up in no time. I get my copy, and after the previous night's drunkenness, still riding the wave of enthusiasm, the next day, I pop the record into the player. It's easy to compare the bands between their studio work and live performances; some bands lose in studio compared to live and vice versa. Not them.

That mix I mentioned at the start remains intact even in the studio. An explosive mix that arrives straight from the States, made of Rockabilly, Surf, Swing, Western, Doo-Wop and keeps the group in a permanent state of groove tension, never dropping. Every note ignites fire, Diego's guitar is explosive and brash, his vibratos seem to travel along the old Mother Road, the voice a seasoned Ol' Man, all wrapped up note after note by the pounding rhythm of two showmen like Peppe and Fabio; at times insistent, at times elegant, at times elusive. This album keeps you constantly on your toes.

Many of the compositions have been born within the group, particularly from Diego's pen; evidence of their vibrant and ancient compositional creativity. Some highlights to note: in one of Diego's compositions, "Adels Swing," a captivating reprise of "Sing, Sing, Sing" aims to be his personal tribute to Prima. Excellent covers: from an unbridled "Sugaree" by Johnny Winter, Boogie and Roll of unstoppable fury, to a "Summertime Blues" from another hero of theirs, Eddie Cochran, arriving from sunny '50s California; to a "All of Me" by Peter Simms with a swinging scent. They have a good following and also a fierce hardcore fan base. They often tour around Italy, so if you like atmospheres like these and they happen to perform near you, do not miss out on their show. You're sure to have fun.

Then, if you want one of their albums, they also have an online shopping section on their site. A cult group of epic proportions, boasting intriguing collaborations (such as with another incredible character: Greg of the comic duo Lillo & Greg), excellent performances (Pistoia Blues Festival a few years ago), and it will not make you regret adding it to your collection.

4.5