 Bob James has been recording music professionally since 1962. Although Restless (Warner Brothers – 1994) is his 27th release, this is the album that first introduced me to the music of Bob James.
In the first song, “Lotus Leaves,” James' playing is very subtle throughout most of the song, until you get to the end, where he lets loose and turns the heat up quite a bit before the song ends. My favorite track on this CD is the title tune, “Restless,” which features Andy Snitzer on sax. Snitzer's alto sax is the highlight of this tune. His soulful playing is perfectly accentuated, note for note, with equal soulfulness by the sound of James' acoustic keyboard. There are two vocal tunes on this CD, with the vocals being provided by James' daughter Hillary. “Under Me,” was co-written by Luther Vandross, and he joins Hillary James in singing the background vocals on this tune. The other vocal tune is, “Storm Warning.”
“Kissing Cross” and “Back to Bali” really emphasize the subtleties and nuances found in Bob James' keyboard style. Less is more on these tracks, and James knows how to play to that. Although these songs are not loud, their intensity never diminishes, thanks to the way he chooses to play them. “Animal Dreams” is a rather interesting song, and another one of my favorites on this CD. The sound of one solitary piano key resonates throughout this entire piece. Even when the other instruments join in, the sound of the one key can still be heard. This song is a little jazzier than the others on this CD. “Into the Light” is fairly up-tempo, with James giving the keys a light, playful treatment. “Serenissima” is a beautiful and haunting song, which is almost exclusively a keyboard piece. The song is accented by only the sound of Fareed Haque on guitar.
“Awaken to the Blue” is another favorite on this CD. It starts and ends literally on the same notes, with a Bob James keyboard intro. Nathan East's bass provides the groove on this tune. This tune highlights various aspects of James' talent, and is a perfect song to close the album.
In addition to the aforementioned Andy Snitzer, Hillary James, and Fareed Haque, this CD hosts many other great musicians as well. Bob James is a master collaborator and employs the talents of Michael Brecker (sax), Dean Brown (guitar), Nathan East (bass), Steve Ferrone (drums), Harvey Mason (drums), and Nick Moroch (guitar). Its Michael Brecker's saxophones we hear in “Under Me,” and “Animal Dreams,” and Dean Brown's guitars we hear on “Lotus Leaves,” “Restless,” “Animal Dreams,” and “Awaken Us to the Blue.”
As mentioned previously, this was my first Bob James album. After listening to and enjoying it, I was encouraged to go by more of his music. Since purchasing this CD in 1994, I've enjoyed other Bob James albums; however, this one remains a favorite.
- Mary Bentley |
