Adonis Rose/Phillip Manuel: Unusual Suspects

SELF PRODUCED (RELEASED FEBRUARY 27, 2026)

Drummer Adonis Rose and vocalist Phillip Manuel have crossed paths several times in
their hometown of New Orleans. Manuel has been featured with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (directed by Rose) and Rose has appeared on Manuel’s two recordings. Unusual Suspects brings them together on a session that showcases their talents. Rose powers a quintet that cushions and propels Manuel’s vocals. Unlike modern day crooners (of which there are too many on the scene), Manuel is a true jazz stylist. The title track, written by Peter Martin, bears a strong resemblance to some of Andy Bey’s work with the Horace Silver band of the early 1970s. Manuel’s lyrics for Lee Morgan’s “Party Line” and Keith Jarrett’s “Bop-Be” are matched with his crystal-clear Jon Hendricks sense of swinging enunciation. His soothing tone on ballads such as Michael Pellera’s “Is This Love” and “Coincidence” conjure up the soothing tones of Johnny Hartman. The accompaniment and solos from Rose as well as pianist Seth Finch, bassist Max Moran, saxophonist Ricardo Pascal (on “Usual Suspect, “Party Time” and “Bop Be) and trumpeter Stephen Lands (with a wonderfully played muted trumpet solo on “Is This Love’) complement Manuel’s vocal style. Guitarist Steve Masakowski is added on several track such as Pellera’s bossa titled “When Love’s Gone.” Sadly, other tracks veer from solid jazz performances to the more soul-pop sounding “The Road Less Traveled” and “I’ll Love You,” both written by Joe Sample, Bill Wither’s “Hello Like Before” and a totally out of place cover of “Thriller.” With its funky second line groove. Rose and Manuel pay homage to their hometown on Masakowski’s “Sixth Ward Strut.” Fans of classic male jazz vocalists well have to weed through the “unusual” and “suspect” material on Unusual Suspects to enjoy the jazzier side of Rose and Phillips.

BOTTOM LINE: Unusual Suspects, from pianist Adonis Rose featuring vocalist Phillip Manuel has its highs and lows. Some of the highs are Manuel’s lyrics and his Jon Hendricks style delivery of Lee Morgan’s “Party Time” and an inviting ballad titled ”Coincidence.” Those heights are flattened with an out-of-place cover of “Thriller” and several tunes that sound more soul-pop than straight-ahead jazz.