Customer Reviews

Restless

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

 

 

Jazz fusion keyboard player Bob James took time out from his collaboration with jazz supergroup Fourplay members Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason to release his first solo album in five years. Many ears only know James as the author of "Angela," more commonly known as the theme song from the classic TV sitcom "Taxi." While that composition is a classic in its own right, there are plenty more sides to this man's talents. RESTLESS does tend to offer up some radio-friendly, more commercial moments for the likes of jazz fusion "the wave" radio stations, but this album is still a well done, very pleasurable listening experience.

Still it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface! The ten selections on this CD display Bob James' many musical facets. "Lotus Leaves" is a fluid number, featuring Bob in the company of Nathan East and Max Risenhoover. "Under Me" is a jaunty number featuring Luther Vandross and Lisa Fischer. The title song showcases sax phenom Andy Snitzer. Some serious funk here! The enigmatic "Kissing Cross" features guitarist Fareed Haque and longtime collaborator Ron Carter on bass. The big hit here is "Storm Warning" featuring Bob's daughter Hilary on lead vocals. Next follows the lusty "Animal Dreams". "We go "Back To Bali" next with Bob and Haque once again. Michael Brecker lends a hand on the bouncy "Into The Light", one of my personal favorites. The mood quiets down a bit on "Serenissima", a piece which resembles a melody by Tchaikovsky in its beginning. Closing is the bright "Awaken Us To The Blue". RESTLESS is the perfect alternative to the hum-drum of smooth jazz.

This CD by Bob is great it reminds me of his earlier stuff. And with Nathan East on Bass Guitar how can one go wrong. Michael Brecker stands out on this CD as well as Ron Carter. I can asure you that you will want this for your Bob James collection. I can now add this to everything he has done. Can't wait for the next one.

As a real James lover I first thought this was not his best CD but some tracks are exremely well composed, especially Animal Dreams which gives me goose bumps over and over again eacht times I listen this track.

Throw out the two vocal tracks, Under Me and Storm Warning and possibly the languid Awaken Us to the Blue and the canned feel of Restless and what you have left are six of the most soothing jazz tracks anywhere. These songs will grow on you and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. I swear by it as evidenced by the fact that since '94 I replace at least a copy a year as peoples ears turn to it and I offer them my copy.

I really did not like this CD at first, even though I am a fan of Mr. James and his work with Fourplay. The total album takes off after the first couple of full listens and it subtly starddles the line between contemporary jazz and new age, making something far more soothing than Yanni and far less predictable than David Benoit. The piano work and keyboards are perfect, as any James fan would tell you. Definately different and worth a try. Track 1 and track 6 are favorites of mine, and track 7 exudes elegance, while track 4 is contemplative and brooding. The only disappointing track is track 3, which is far too predictable, though expertly done with great sax work.

THIS IS ONE OF BOB'S BEST!! I GIVE HIM TWO THUMBS UP!! THE TITLE RESTLESS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. BE CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING AND PLAYING THIS ONE, YOU JUST MIGHT MISS YOUR TURN!!!!

If you are a Bob James fan this is a nice CD. The song Lotus Leaves is a keeper and is not sold separately. So to get the song I had to get the whole CD but also like other cuts on it.

i'm a big fan of bob james and have been looking for this cd a while the songs are wonderful!

A nice soothing album...great for either background music while reading or doing housework, or just to relax with. I think my favourite would have to be "Serenissima", it is so beautiful. My least favourite though is the title track "Restless". It sounds too much like a Kenny G song. All the remaining tracks though are all very good, and James' piano and keyboard playing is excellent as always. "Back to Bali" is very good and even uses a digiredoo which adds to the tropical feel. Luther Vandross adds an r&b groove to "Under Me" which he co-wrote and adds vocals to. This album has a good variety of styles...it's like Jazz meets New Age and R&B. Recommended.