"What a hidden treasure! When I finally pulled this CD from my collection and listened attentively, all I could think was 'Bob! Where've you been all this time?' This is a delightful album, full of variety, yet an enjoyable whole. Perhaps permanently fused to my Bose Wave CD alarm, I hear some new detail every morning. My favorite cuts include; 'Far From Turtle' (way mellow waking) 'Xraxse' (hello Hilary James!) and Lee Ritenour's 'Just Listen'. My fave, however, is '....stop that!', which perfectly fits its title! And yes, that IS a jackhammer! Amazing! Jam on, Bob!"
Get keyed up in GRAND PIANO CANYON!
James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 10/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is so much to offer in this musical masterpiece! "Bare Bones" gets you shaking! There is a great horn arrangement here! "Restoration" marks the true beginning of Fourplay. "Wings For Sarah" is Bob's tribute to one of jazz's true divas, whom he accompanied and served as music director for from 1965-1968. "Svengali" is Bob's musical portrait of DuMaurier's sinister character. It features saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and is Bob's final performance with the late Eric Gale. "Worlds Apart" has a day-and night quality to it. "Stop That!" is Bob's tribute to the vinyl LP, which features the brass section again and Bob's protegee Max Risenhoover. "Xraxse" is Bob's musical telling of a story written at six by his daughter. Lee Ritenour's "Just Listen" is in the Jobim mold. We close with the smooth groove of "Far From Turtle" which is reminiscient of the "Taxi" theme. Overall, I'd say that GRAND PIANO CANYON is one of Bob's most outstanding releases."
Bob James & Lee Ritenour
James R. Prater | 07/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is one of the first collaboration between Lee Ritenour & Bob James. Before this album I wish that these two artist would create an album together. Also these two combined with Kirk Whalum, excellent sax player, Eric Gale a foremeost guitarist, Harvey Mason an always drummer for Bob, Nathan East an excellent bass player. Of course we now know that the four musicians were the original members of Fourplay.All the tracks on this album are excellent. But pay close attention to "Wings for Sarah" and the change on an abstract "Xraxse" and sit back & enjoy "Just Listen"."
I Second That Emotion!
lilgontsch | Falls Church, VA United States | 06/05/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a overlooked gem. Excellent arrangements, going from the snappy to soothing, mellow sounds. "Just Listen" is one of my all-time favorites! Nothing spectacular, just a solid, heartfelt tune that is one of the most relaxing instrumentals out there. The way it segues into the last cut is great and the mood it creates is priceless. Take me away Calgon!"