Customer Reviews

Urban Flamingo

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

 

 

I figured this to be another great "smooth jazz" effort from Bob James, which wouuld have been great...but was even more pleasantly surprised to find that this entire cd is a throwback to 1980's contemporary jazz with a lean towards pop & r&b. It is refreshing to hear a little retro flavor, especially with the smart and polished use of synthesisers throughout. This is probably the most melodic cd from James since his 1996 effort, entitled "Playin' Hooky".
I would recommend this new one especially for those who truly miss the Yellowjackets, Lee Ritenour and Joe Sample releases from the mid to late eighties.
Just Listen...

I have ordered this CD from Amazon and since arriving found it very hard to put down. It is very good to hear Bob's music like the music which made me become a BJ fan in the late 70's. The individual artists on this CD bring the best out of each track just like it did on albums like "Touchdown" and "H". Maybe I'm a bit nostalgic here because of some very familiar guitar sounds!
I think Bob James fans will find this a pleasurable addition to their collections.

Bob James is the Picasso of the keyboard. His "Taxi" theme is so recognizable and just a small part of his influence in jazz music. His role in the group Foreplay is just another facet in the music world. This CD takes the player to the synth side of his ivory-tickling quest for rubbing our ears together to start a fire in our souls.
"Choose Me" is one of the coolest tunes I've heard in a long time and prompted me to purchase the project.

This new album sounds as smooth as the title itself.Bob James is a musical keyboard player.This album reminds me of the album "cool" Bob James with Earl Klugh .It has the combination of urban, RnB ,smooth and 80's soul .It's a must have even if you are not a Bob James fan.

Bob James delights listeners with "Urban Flamingo." Somehow, the album title is perfect. The music is a perfect blend of James keyboard brilliance and modern "fusion jazz." I call this album "Joy Ride- the Sequel" because it has the same amazing repeat listening quality. Whether it's over a glass of wine at night, or during creative moments at work, I never tire of this music. Jazz purists may prefer more traditional efforts by James, but this album definitely thrills a larger audience.

Bob James does the first basically "live in studio" recording in a while. I like it. A lot of keys in this one. The only thing I do not like is the fact that "Fresh Start" used 2 studios for the recording which most likely means that Earl Klugh was in the other studio. The song is simple enough that they could have used 1 studio! (piano, guitar, bass, drums)
Musicians are (or include)-Perry Hughs, Wayne Gerard, John Pondel, Jack Lee-guitar; Earl Klugh-acoustic guitar; Al Turner-bass; Ron Otis, Bill Kilson, Louie Pragasm-drums; James Genus-acoustic bass; Nathan East-bass/vocals; JJ Ma-Er-Hu; Hilary James (hello Hilary)-vocals; David McMurray-sax/flute; and some back vocalists. Enjoy this bright & bouncy "out of this world" CD!

Anyone admiring Bob James' classic recordings or works with Fourplay or collaborations should avoid this and hope he gets back on track soon.