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    Bob James
    Reviews


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Foxie
7/13/2005, AMG

Because so many of Bob James' albums have been devoid of integrity and epitomized musical prostitution at its most shameless, quite a few people in the jazz world (both...  more >

12
7/13/2005, AMG

12 is of historic value because it introduced saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who was still a year away from debuting as a leader with 1985's Floppy Disk. One of the more...  more >

The Swan
7/13/2005, AMG

Bob James was far from predictable in the 1990s, when his albums ranged from the embarrassing Playin' Hooky to the excellent Straight Up (an unexpected return to...  more >

Playin' Hooky
9/16/1997, Yahoo! Music, Josef Woodard

Bob James remains one of the least offensive players in a sometimes offensive world--the safe 'n' sanitized realm of "smooth jazz" (smooth in the same way that Velveeta is...  more >

Playin' Hooky
7/13/2005, AMG

Bob James was putting the "smooth" into "jazz" long before it was an official format, and as an elder statesman, the keyboardist continues to be one of the most consistent...  more >

Bold Conceptions
7/13/2005, AMG

From the first powerful kick of "A Moment's Notice," it's clear this is not the Bob James of the Taxi TV theme, the fusion-flavored Fourplay group, or the smooth pop albums...  more >

Joined At The Hip
7/13/2005, AMG

Bob James learned the value of give and take between musicians, along with the fine art of collaboration, from his early experiences on the road with mentor Sarah Vaughan....  more >

Straight Up
7/13/2005, AMG

This record is an unexpected treat. Bob James has had a lucrative career writing and playing crossover jazz/pop. Although he had actually started his career with a...  more >

Sign Of The Times
7/13/2005, AMG

Another among several hit albums for pianist and composer Bob James during the '70s. The album contained miminal solo space, tightly arranged, cleverly constructed songs...  more >

All Around The Town
7/13/2005, AMG

Although Bob James has recorded more than his share of mindless throwaways over the years, he surprises us every now and then by coming out with something worthwhile....  more >

Grand Piano Canyon
7/13/2005, AMG

This CD is more jazz-oriented than most of Bob James' recordings and even takes chances in a few spots. The tunes, mostly by James, contain several strong melodies,...  more >

Lucky Seven
7/13/2005, AMG

Successful fusion album by a superstar in the genre. James made an art form of short solos, pop-tinged instrumentals, multi-tracked vocals by guest stars, and unchallenging...  more >

Obsession
7/13/2005, AMG

Obsession is James' first solo album for Warner Brothers after roughly ten years at CBS. James' first successful Warner Brothers endeavor had him teaming up with David...  more >

One
7/13/2005, AMG

Bob James's first recording for his Tappan Zee label, which has been reissued on CD along with virtually James's entire output by Warner Bros., is typically lightweight....  more >

Three
7/13/2005, AMG

The third in a series of smash albums by keyboardist, composer, and arranger Bob James, who by now had the '70s formula down. He kept individual voices and solo space to a...  more >

Two
7/13/2005, AMG

Bob James largely defined pop/jazz crossover in the 1970s. This CD, reissued by Warner Brothers, is typical of his output. Mixing together aspects of pop, R&B and classical...  more >

Double Vision
7/13/2005, AMG

This combination works quite well. Poppish keyboardist/arranger Bob James joins with electric bassist Marcus Miller, drummer Steve Gadd, guitarist Paul Jackson,...  more >

H
7/13/2005, AMG

This CD reissue features some typical pop/jazz from keyboardist/arranger/composer Bob James. James often uses his musicians as a prop, adding some coloring by having short...  more >

Two Of A Kind
7/13/2005, AMG

Keyboardist Bob James and acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh struck gold with this session, recently reissued on CD. The formula hasn't changed much in succeeding years. Both...  more >

Joy Ride
8/10/1999, Yahoo! Music, Tim Sheridan

Bob James wrote the book on smooth jazz. Unfortunately, the cover is getting a little worn, and it shows on this latest effort.Though his keyboard styling, mixing jazz with...  more >

Joy Ride
7/13/2005, AMG

This keyboardist was putting the "smooth" into "jazz" long before there was a format by that name. Since the mid-70s, Bob James has been one of instrumental music's most...  more >

Flesh And Blood
7/13/2005, AMG

A pleasantly light collaboration between pianist Bob James and his daughter, in which her voice is used to good advantage on a collection of ballads that range from a...  more >

Dancing On The Water
7/13/2005, AMG

Dancing on the Water features a collection of solo piano performances by Bob James plus duets by James with a diverse array of artists, including bassist Dave Holland,...  more >

Restoration: The Best Of Bob James
7/13/2005, AMG

Pianist Bob James is known for his unfailingly congenial light pop/jazz music. This two-disc set showcases 28 tracks that highlight his work on Warner Brothers, including...  more >

Morning, Noon & Night
7/13/2005, AMG

As one review once put it, James was putting the "smooth" into "jazz" long before the genre had its formal name, and it was fun to take stock of his lengthy...  more >

Explosions
7/13/2005, AMG

Probably the first recording of improvised jazz combined with electronic music, as well as playing inside the piano and other new music techniques. Contains lively and often...  more >