Johnny Adams, Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus: The Real Me (Rounder Records)

This album is a tribute to the late, great Doc Pomus, the co-author of such classics as “Lonely Avenue,” “Little Sister,” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” It continues a string of three superb Rounder albums that pair Johnny Adams, the blues and romantic crooner nonpareil, with songs (Pomus’ fine latter-day compositions) worthy of Johnny’s awesome soul. The influence of the redoubtable Dr. John, Pomus’ recent collaborator and a friend of Johnny’s for over 30 years, is all over this project. The instrumental support and production is fine throughout. Note the nuances of power, falsetto and control in Adams’ version of “One More Time” (also recorded by Irma Thomas). If you’ve heard Adams, you know his soaring romance and biting blues sears your soul with a quality that virtually no one can touch. If not, buy this now and catch a legend in his prime.