The Essential Collection: 24 Smooth Jazz Classics

Bob James

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 12, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B0009UVC2G
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,333 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Full title, 'Essential Collection 24 Smooth Jazz Classics'. UK budget-price compilation. Includes unique 8-page history of Bob James and track commentary. Housed in a slipcase. 2002. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine beginner's guide to Bob James, August 27, 2003

By	D. Lacalle Fernandez "Rock of Faith" (London) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Essential Collection: 24 Smooth Jazz Classics (Audio CD)

This compilation is an indispensable purchase for lovers of smooth jazz. Much criticised and ignored by jazz purists, Bob James has developed a style of his own, and the evolution of his music is perfectly exemplified here. Covering his best music from the 1974 - 1985 period, this compilation starts with a dreadful funky cover of Night In Bald Mountain. So things can only get better from here. They do. As the compilation develops, the music improves, arrangements are less syrupy and a groovier feel is installed, allowing the smooth piano melodies free themselves in the fresher air of tighter and less busy instrumentation. So forget the critics, sit down, relax, pour yourself a Napoleon cognac and enjoy this superb collection. But start on track 2.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not quite smooth, April 28, 2009

By	R. M. Best (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love a lot of Bob James smooth jazz, and this cd has that, but it also has more of the funk jazz that I am not crazy about. The music like the start of the "Taxi" show (Angela's Theme) is the type of sound I was looking for. Not a bad cd, but not all I was looking for.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I love Bob James, but....., November 7, 2007

By	Michael G. Fox (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This wasn't his Smooth jazz best. The first cd and even bleeding into the second cd is mainly his more fusion jazz music. I was expecting more along the lines of his collaborations with Earl Klugh (Cool) or David Sanborn (Double Vision). Even Grand Piano Canyon was more smooth jazz than this.

A better compilation is Restoration: Best Of Bob James. However I reccommend the cd's I listed (Cool, Double Vision & Grand Piano Canyon) LONG before this one!