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Bob James: Jazz Hands
ByThis is the most eclectic album I've ever done," James says. "There's not really one specific genre, and there were a lot of different musicians involved..."
That said, the core of his group here is James on keys, along with Micheal Palessolo on drums and James Adkins on drums. Then, on selected numbers, throw in saxophonists Dave Koz, Andrey Chmut and Tom Braxton, then throw in Ricky Peterson on organ and synths, Will Patrick, David Marchione and Dwight Sills on guitar...and more. This type of musical chairs type of approach can, for all but the most experienced of top-notch artists, spell disaster, with the creation of a work of art lacking cohesion and a sustained mood. Fortunately, Bob James is the toppest of the top-notch, boasting about sixty years of experience. Jazz Hands is a triumph. Credit as strong an artistic vision as you would be likely to find.
The meticulously crafted sounds go down easy, from the opening with the percolating "Mambalicious," to the soft cinematic soundscape of a closer, "Sea Goddess," that serves as an achingly beautiful, save-the-best-for-last symphonic smooth-jazz jewel.
In between James experiments with funk, disco grooves and R & B (CeeLo Green's vocals on the title tune), hip hop and baroque-style classical harmony. "Beerbohm" is a lilting and playful nod to James' friend Quincy Jones.
Music, for Bob James, must serve as a fountain of youth, as he, in his '80s, creates an adventurous and engaging album that stands tall with his best.
Track Listing
Mambalicious; The Otherside; Jazz Hands; Come Into My Dream; Beerbohm; The Alchemist; Mophead; That Bop; The Secret Drawer; Sea Goddess.
Personnel
Bob James
pianoMichael Palezzolo
drumsJames Adkins
drumsLenny Castro
percussionRicky Peterson
organ, Hammond B3Additional Instrumentation
Bob James: acoustic piano and all keys; CeeLo Green: vocals (3); Dave Koz: saxophone; Andrey Chmut: saxophone; Tom Braxton: saxophone; Will Patrick: guitar; David Marchione: guitar; Dwight Sills: guitar; Nathan Philips: bass; John Mahan: drums; Jay Williams: drums; Ramon Ysles: percussion
Album information
Title: Jazz Hands | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Evosounds