Stuart Hamilton of Amazon UK wrote, The first thing that leaps out at you is Adamo's voice. Imagine if you can, it's like Lou Rawls fronting Tower of Power." With this being said, the unique funky sound on No Strings" was locked in by Mic Gillette, a Tower of Power band member for more than nineteen years. Mic's stellar horn arrangement (utilizing the horn section of past and present members of TOP including Stephen 'Doc' Kupka and Skip Mesquite), is pure smooth groove that sets up the dynamic blending between Adamo's voice and the rhythm section. Edward Blanco of Ejazznews wrote STRAIGHT UP DEAL reveals the vocal talents of a superior singer." Sandy Shore of Smoothjazz gave STRAIGHT UP DEAL a rating of 5 Stars and said, Think of Adamo as Lou Reed but - funkified."
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