Customer Reviews

Hands Down

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been a fan of Bob James for almost three decades now and have most of his albums in my collection. I like his earlier stuff a lot more than the stuff he's doing these days though - apart from his work with Fourplay, which I'm really into.

He walked the line between jazz and electronica on this album from 1982, which was his follow-up to the very successful pop-influenced Sign of the Times. I imagine purists either turned up their noses or ran screaming but I loved this album from the first time I heard it. As I've said in a few of my reviews, I have the greatest respect for any artiste who's prepared to take risks, blur the lines and do something different from what everyone else is doing. James deployed all manner of keyboard - acoustic piano, polyphonic synthesizers, Fender Rhodes, drum computer & bass synthesizers - and he made them all work very well together.

Standout tracks include the Rod Temperton/Bob James-penned "Macumba" and as its title suggests, its rhythms and chants are both African-inspired, with excellent vocals by Patti Austin, Vivian Cherry, Yvonne Lewis, Luther Vandross, Milt Grayson and Zach Sanders and then there's the Bob James-penned "Shamboozie", a funky little number featuring alto sax by Spyro Gyra front man Jay Beckenstein.

My two personal favourites though are both ballads and both written by James; "Janus", featuring tenor sax by Eddie Daniels and the beautiful acoustic piano-led "Roberta" with its solo trumpet by Mike Lawrence and sweeping orchestral arrangements. Also worth a mention is the bass work by James's longtime collaborator, Gary King. He sounds so liquid in places, I always used to think he played a fretless. I never did find out one way or the other.

The other two tunes - "Spunky", which opens the album and "It's Only Me", which closes it - are both a lot of fun and here's where you'll find the electronica I referred to at the top. I feel they've aged well though and James's clever improvisations make it clear that while this might not be jazz in its purest sense, it's still very much jazz. Produced and arranged by James (Joe Joegensen is credited as associate producer), the whole album is only 35mins 43secs long (each track averages around 6mins) but people could do that back in those days because the music was so good. In this age of quantity over quality (22 track albums?), it would be unthinkable.

If you're thinking about getting into Bob James and you'd like to hear something original and spirited, this (or "Sign Of The Times") might be a good place to start.

The year is 1982 and yes:Bob James has discovered the synthesizer.But unlike many it's apparent he isn't going to let his style go all downhill because of it.This album features all of Bob's previous trademarks-sing a long melodies,the influence of film and television music and a production style I can only describe as economical. There's also an influence of contemporary electronica here.So to the ears of others 'Hands Down' might just be one long 35 minute and 43 second rare groove."Spunky" certainly had that effect on you but the one that grabbed me especially hard was "Macumba",whose beat actually has a very similar feel to early hip-hop break beats as well as having a strong percussive/Afro beat influence that is....none other then the work of Mr.Rod Temperton himself.On "Shamboozie" and the half slow/half fast "Janus" Bob shows his command over the regular ivory's and horns for two trademark playful tunes."Roberta" on the other hand is a very pretty ballad with classical overtunes.The closing tune "It's Only Me" brings all the best qualities of the album.The song itself is not unlike a Rod Temperton tune,especially one composed for Michael Jackson and does sound a lot like something from Thriller,but it's Bob's own composition.So if any of you Bob James followers thought he was "missing in action" after his massive 1979 production this is something worth looking into.

The shopkeeper of local store of old CDs & vinyls had written words "royal fusion - out of print" to price tag of this CD. So I bought it. Since I am big fan of funky R&B and retro-synthesizer/computer music it is easy to believe that I love this album. This album is not jazz. Perhaps not even fusion. This is instrumental music that is influenced by early synthesizer-pop, R&B and jazz. What makes this album so good are the wonderful compositions with good producing work. It is a pity that many lovers of good instrumental music don't know what they could find from jazz shelves of recording stores.

This vintage jewel in the Bob James discography has been unavailable for some years, but now has been reissued on CD for the first time. "Spunky" is one of Bob's most upbeat tunes, and has graced a few workout shows. "Macumba" (a type of voodoo magic which comes in two varieties--black and white--) features members of the vocal cast from SIGN OF THE TIMES, plus new find Rob Zante on the lyricon. Jay Beckenstein and Marcus Miller are used once again on "Shamboozie", supported by a great brass section. The Billy Joel rhythm section and Eddie Daniels are featured on "Janus" (named after the two-headed porter of heaven in the Roman myths). One is reminded of the TV themes of Mike Post or Dave Grusin. Next comes the poignant "Roberta", a tune written by and featuring the late Mike Lawrence. An alternate version of this tune can be found on Lawrence's posthumous release NIGHTWIND. Last, but not least, is "It's Only Me", a fun song, despite its dated (to some) sound.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Bob James, at a young age, perhaps 9 years ago. This album in particular, has an amazing beat and is very catchy, and grabs your attention from the second you push play. I don't have my copy to hand, but I think my favourite track would have to be 'spunky'. This is full of fun, a bit crazy at times, but that is why I like it. I recommend that you play this in a huge room, or hall, as that is the only way to truely appreciate this soulful beat. (you will understand the minute you do this.) Hands Down is a timeless piece, that has touched my life. I judge my friends by this album, they either love it or hate it. Those that love it, I love.... This album desreves to win five stars, hands down. Nothing less.

Contrary to the uninformed assertion of the first reviewer, this album was in fact originally issued on LP - before the Compact Disc and its larger capacity - and the amount of music on the album was, in any case, a matter of Mr. James' artistic discretion, which few - if any - of his fans would ever dispute. He was not, and is not, someone trying to short the listener; the very idea is absurd.

The original LP is, unsurpisingly, another BJ masterpiece of composition, arrangement, playing and production. The album makes the statement he intended, and there is no need for extraneous musical filler.

His subtle wit and seemingly effortless mastery of anything with keys is on prominent display throughout. All in all, an essential core album in the BJ canon.

This is one of bob james best. Every track is terrific, and not worn down by the passage of time. The beat is strong and positive and with James' usual rythmic verve. I play this music to inspire myself or others. Eat raw vegan.

Honestly, I wasn't that familiar with Bob James' work until I bought this album. It's great...I love it. I'm especially fond of it because it only cost be $1 at Goodwill. Do yourself a favor and buy a turntable. These kind of albums are all over the place available in 12-inch, 33 1/3 rpm, 180 gram, delicious vinyl.

For truth, I bought this CD for one specific title on it: Spunky. But the whole thing is great! Good popular jazz. Not at all highbrow. Very enjoyable and accessible.

Bob James became the architect of 70s muzak jazz, helping to define the CTI easy-listening style. He did much to commercialise jazz, and his albums always feature technically adept performances.

On this album, we have contributions from such leading lights as Steve Khan, Harvey Mason, Patti Austin, Marcus Miller and Randy Brecker. But James's style stifles the personality of his guest artists. The Rolling Stone Jazz Guide awards 'Hands Down' one star (out of a possible five), which is a little unfair.

The stand-out tracks are the popcorn-like 'Spunky', and the fourth track 'Janus' (reminiscent of so many TV theme tunes). 'It's Only Me' isn't too bad as an early 80s synth demo, but has little other merit.

For me, Bob James flourished in his partnership with Lee Ritenour on the Fourplay albums. Try them out.