Customer Reviews

Joy Ride

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is very, very good. Just start off with "Take Me There" and when you get to #2 "Raise The Roof" Boney James can do it for you. You will get stuck there. This CD not only has Bob at his best and the Master Sax player, Boney James, but also Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Norman Brown, Lee Ritenour, Four Play, Brian Culbertson, Chris Botti, Jonathan Butler, all who have contributed their talent to the music on this CD -- and the guest list goes on. Between "Take Me There" and "Raise The Roof" you cannot resist being on this "Joy Ride." You will be playing this CD over and over again (and for sure #2). This CD is headed straight to #1.

There are very few CDs where every track is great, and "Joy Ride" is one of them. Just put it in and hit 'shuffle'. This CD has some very intricate piano pieces, none of which are too wild or take on strange tangents. Bob James invited several other professionals like Boney James and Fourplay to perform on the CD, making it truly amazing. This CD does not contain any of the slower "Playboy" style of jazz. All of it is clean and wonderful to hear. [Bass enthusiasts won't be disappointed; the bass lines are full of off beats and fills] If you're a fan of wonderful piano music, this ranks up there with Jim Brickman and Erik JoHansen. Definitely buy it!

This latest effort from Bob James can only be classified as great smooth jazz. I'm listening to it as I write this review, and the first five compositions have been outstanding. Some of the finest smooth jazz artist accompany Bob James on this CD. One is Chuck Loeb, whose influence is prominent. Too bad Loeb didn't put the same effort in his latest release "Listen" which is not as good as his last two efforts. In any event, back to Bob James, if you are a baby boomer or like Baby Boomer music taste, buy this CD; its Bob James at his creative best.

Bob James continues to be at the top of his game, and it shows on this CD! "Take Me There" features Bob at the piano with guitarist Chuck Loeb and saxophonist Kim Waters. Fluid smooth! Crank up the volume for "Raise The Roof". Boney James (no relation to Bob) shows his stuff here. "It's All Right" features Norman Brown's trademark guitar sound. Chuck Loeb appears again on the super-funky groove of "Swingset". The title song is one of Bob's brightest numbers, reminiscent of "The Walkman" (from "H"). Check out former Fourplay member Lee Ritenour's dextrous solo. "What's Up" features Bob at the Fender Rhodes, backed up by Brian Culbertson at the keys. "Fly By" has both Harvey Mason Sr. and Jr. along with Fourplay bassist Nathan East supporting Bob's piano licks. "The First Time" showcases the multi-talented David McMurray. East appears again with brother Marcel and Chris Botti on the sauntering "Strollin". Vocalist Rasheeda tears it up on "Sweet Talk Me Now". Fourplay's "Bali Run" is sampled here. "Trade Winds" cools us down with Jonathan Butler. "Bisso Baba" closes us out with Butler and Richard Bona. JOY RIDE is dedicated to the memory of Bob's longtime manager, the late Peter Paul.

I'm the type of person that the music I listen to has to stand out in order to get my attention. Bob is one of those artists who never fails to get my attention and I've been a fan since I was 16 ("Touchdown" was my introduction to jazz). "Joyride" is his best solo effort in years. It's probably the only CD that I'll end up replacing from playing so much (pat yourself on the back, Bob!). It's not unusual for me to play this CD around people and they would stop the conversation and ask who's playing. I strongly recommend it for casual gathering/cruising background music and those who are just now discovering jazz. The mixture of slow tunes and upbeat stuff does not disappoint. Looking forward to his next release
(both solo and with Fourplay).

Great Bob James piece! PERIOD! I've been a Bob James fan since 1987 and my first year in college. I worked at a college radio station and the dj that normally did the "quiet storm" took sick and couldn't do his show. Up until then, my background with the smooth-jazz genre was SHALLOW at best! I remember putting the record on (yes, WAX) and listening to the tune and watching the lights on the phone light up and hearing the people ask, "who is that?" Pure greatness and ever since, I will ALWAYS buy a Bob James CD without listening to it first somewhere! This one is as "juice- jammed" packed as fresh Blueberries from the vendor at your local fruit stand! I'm in awe of this man and his musical talent. Bob, we even are planning to decorate our new home with one of your art pieces! Keep on keep on man!

I am a big jazz fan and I love how Amazon.com finds great CDs for me to listen to in their recommendations section. This one does not dissapoint. It has kind of a mellow/pleasant tune to it. Here's a good way to describe it: when you go to... and sit down to read, this is exactly the sort of music you hear. It's uncanny how much it is like it! This cd's well worth a listen

I have followed Bob James since his first Album came out - BJ1. My musical tastes has changed and realized he has been to mechanical and not a lot of music to listen from each album. For Joy Ride, he has out done himself and I enjoy this CD from start to finish. It is sad he does not get enough air time on the Radio for this one. Well, let's think this is a hidden treasure for one to keep and listen.

Clint

I have been following Bob James since his "Obsession " album (1986) and I must say that sometimes Bob- jams a tune and then falls short on the next one. But on this album...it's a different story. This is a wonderful album from start to finish! I just don't know why the radio stations don't give this artist the recognition he deserves! I have never heard any of his tracks on the radio (104.7). They seem to play the same boring jazz artist..oops. made a mistake..they continue to play artist that they think are jazz artist. (that's better) I haven't bought the CD yet..(I will tomorrow) - my co-worker was JAMMIN' the CD today @ work. I was impressed! This is the BOB JAMES I enjoy. His music is wonderful! I am a big fan and I give this album 5+ stars. Go pick it up! you won't regret it..I promise! Can't wait for the next album. GOOD WORK BOB JAMES!

Bob James and his stellar cast of players deliver what you might expect. A very high quality recording with the professionalism of the musicians clearly evident in the "tightness" and blending. Some Fourplay like sound but you also hear the Chuck Loeb influence. Listen carefully at the selection of notes BJ plays and the intricately perfect blend of the team. Great CD!