Search - Bob James :: Ivory Coast

Another Musical Adventure!

James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 10/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"That's what Bob takes us on in his third release for Warner Bros. The adventure begins with the CD's big hit "Ashanti", which features flautist Alexander Zonjic (anybody else remember seeing the video?). "Rosalie" is the smoothest number, giving Bob and saxophonist Kirk Whalum ample room for soloing. Bob has two solos here, one on synth and one on the Steinway acoustic grand. "Yogi's Dream" features Whalum again. One can only imagine the romantic story musically portrayed. Next comes the subtly violent "Adult Situations" featuring good solos from Bob, Zonjic, and Dean Brown. We are introduced here to the multitalented Max Risenhoover (on drums). "Orpheus" is Bob's musical telling of the Greek myth. Avid readers may either refer to Edith Hamilton or Thomas Bullfinch. Bob displays his amazing facility at the keys here, as he did on OBSESSION. The spacey "Moodstar" (which was played a lot on syndicated New Age programs) rounds the adventure out. IVORY COAST stands out as one of Bob's most pleasant albums."

You may never make it past track 2, but that's a compliment

John S. Harris | Memphis, TN | 03/23/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of tunes isn't the best we've heard from Bob James but track 2, "Rosalie", justifies the purchase. Running just over 9 minutes, "Rosalie" is a softly romantic and lovely tune featuring the wonderful Kirk Whalum on saxophone, and his playing enchants you. It is the highlight of the disc. Not a great Bob James album, but a stellar Kirk Whalum cameo. So put on track 2, press the "repeat track" button, lie back, and enjoy."

Upbeat, but soul-less

John S. Harris | 05/11/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"So much jazz of the 1980s and 90s is heavily produced studio music that offers little challenge to the listener and few surprises. The tracks are laid down one at a time by musicians who may never see one another, much less interact and feed off of each other's energy. It would be easy to dismiss this album as another of the bunch, but in fact, it has its moments. There are some nice surprises, and solos by Whalum, Zonjic, and James himself are fresh and spirited. Overall however, the sound does not wear well, and the percussive backbeat goes from mind -deadening to downright annoying afer a few cuts. This isn't one you're likely to want to play more than a few times."