Customer Reviews

Dancing on the Water

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Bob James CD had me from the first key of the first song. The duet between Bob and Joe Sample was fantastic. As that song ended and the second began, I knew that my recent purchase had been a great one! Bob brought the THUNDER with this album, and for a CD jam-packed with Piano to do that, is in a word....amazing! The title song with Chuck Loeb, Dancing On The Water, was a pure masterpeice for the soul. It doesn't stop there either. Bob and Keiko Matsui's pieces together were inspired as well. Although I've witnessed two people playing the piano together, compared to these two, that's all they were doing WAS playing! I missed the concert with Bob and Keiko in Seattle a couple weeks ago, and I'll be FOREVER kicking myself that I missed it. I normally list a favorite in my reviews, but I'd be hard-pressed to do that right now. The one that does need to "grow" on me is Bogie's Boogie. I have that hauntingly familiar feeling though that it will. I enjoy this man's music because it's no secret that he does what he enjoys, making music...and his art is not bad either. If you get a chance, check his website: bobjames.com and check them out. If you'd like that "ease into a restful mood" feeling, pick this one up!

Bob James consistantly releases great CD's, but this one is truly a masterpiece. I have enjoyed his music for many years and this new album adds a new dimension to his work. I am particularly impressed by the numbers with Joe Sample.

Bob James takes us on an unexpected musical journey with this CD. He displays his acoustic side masterfully. "Alone Together" finds him teamed with the great Joe Sample. On "The Green Hour", Bob reminisces about his early days playing in nightclubs. "Bogie's Boogie" is a jumpy little number written for the James' family cat. "Altair And Vega" is Bob and Keiko Matsui's musical telling of a Japanese myth. "Hum Drum" is anything BUT that. The right hand provides the melody (hum), while the left provides the rhythm (drum). Bassist Dave Holland is featured on their version of "Last Night When We Were Young", which has some beautiful lyrics. The title song, one of Bob's best, is a duet with Chuck Loeb. "Modesty" is Bob's musical wording of the modicum "less is more". Sample appears again on "Tapawingo", named after an outdoor restaraunt where Bob held his first art exhibition. "Autumn Noctourne" is a beautiful duet between Bob and Holland. "Duo Oto Subito" (which translates as 'two play right away') is a melodramatic duet between Bob and Matsui. I must counter some of the comments made in other reviews. This CD is for the die-hard Bob James fan like myself, who realizes that there is more to Bob James than "smooth jazz".

It’s really sad when legendary artists such as Bob James get negative reviews for trying to do something a little different from his past works. “Dancing on the Water” is a fresh, brilliant, and solid album. True, this work may initially sound a little bare due to the lack of percussions and electronic sounds, but it is with this simplicity in arrangement that really brings out the tunes’ haunting charm. Strewn throughout this album are upbeat and playful tunes such as “Alone Together” and “Altair & Vega”, as well as quiet, reflective melodies such as “The Green Hour” and “Modesty”. Overall, Bob James has created an inspiring, provocative masterpiece that showcases stripped down contemporary piano music at its very best.

I can understand why some Bob James fans, who have bought this album without listening to it first, may be disappointed. It is nothing like Bob James has done before.
However, I think he truly delivered a masterpiece here. Brilliant compositions performed by great artists. My personal favorites are "Altair & Vega" and "Dancing on the Water".
I am happily surprised that every Bob James album gets even better and better.

I was quite disappointed. It sounded like Wyndham Hills music, which I like in small doses. But I was expecting a funkier jazz sound.

Bob James here does a solo CD with the exception of a few tracks. His music here is relaxing.
Guest musicians are-Keiko Matsui (piano); Ron Carter (bass); Joe Sample (piano); and Lee Ritenour (guitar).
Great for taking a nap to. Enjoy!

I ordered this for Christmas as a present for my wife who likes Bob James, it's more good stuff. He has a style that we both like and the tunes from his piano just float through the air.

I anticipted a consistent work throughout the CD but found myself wondering if this was truly Bob James or an impersonator. The music was contrived and stilted. It did not flow as I had expected. ven Joe Sample didn't save the music.

This has nice background music while I work. I don't mean that in a sarcastic way. None of the songs made my personal playlists, meaning none of the songs really grabbed me. I have many of his CDs. This is different than his masterpiece releases, but on the other hand, I will tell you I'm sure there are people who will say this is their favorate. Truly great artists like Mr. James generate that kind of diverse opinion. If you are thinking about getting it, you either heard something on it that you like, or you are really into Bob James like I am and want to add to your collection. In the former case you should go ahead and get it. In the latter, you may be dissappointed but there is no way I can call this a bad release and I listen to it occasionally while I work.