Bob James Joy Ride Genres:Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists Adorned with contributions from roughly two dozen friends and guests, Joy Ride serves as a smooth-jazz group hug, and at its center is pianist Bob James, exuding warmth and ample feel-good energy throughout this disc's 12 ... more »selections. Concluding his fourth decade as a recording artist, the ageless pianist surrounds himself with a new guest list on almost every track, and the diversified results are flavorful, predictable, and eminently satisfying for fans of the genre. James's rotating ensemble at times included guitarist Chuck Loeb (who also produced and helped write two cuts), Boney James (who glows on the album's lone sax-dominated tune, "Raise the Roof,"), Chris Botti, Lee Ritenour, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler and, well, on it goes. Name a musical flavor--urban, pop, funk, R&B, even faint traces of world music--and James stirs it into his stew for all seasons. --Terry Wood« less
Adorned with contributions from roughly two dozen friends and guests, Joy Ride serves as a smooth-jazz group hug, and at its center is pianist Bob James, exuding warmth and ample feel-good energy throughout this disc's 12 selections. Concluding his fourth decade as a recording artist, the ageless pianist surrounds himself with a new guest list on almost every track, and the diversified results are flavorful, predictable, and eminently satisfying for fans of the genre. James's rotating ensemble at times included guitarist Chuck Loeb (who also produced and helped write two cuts), Boney James (who glows on the album's lone sax-dominated tune, "Raise the Roof,"), Chris Botti, Lee Ritenour, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler and, well, on it goes. Name a musical flavor--urban, pop, funk, R&B, even faint traces of world music--and James stirs it into his stew for all seasons. --Terry Wood
"Bob James continues to be at the top of his game, and it shows on this CD! "Take Me There" features Bob at the piano with guitarist Chuck Loeb and saxophonist Kim Waters. Fluid smooth! Crank up the volume for "Raise The Roof". Boney James (no relation to Bob) shows his stuff here. "It's All Right" features Norman Brown's trademark guitar sound. Chuck Loeb appears again on the super-funky groove of "Swingset". The title song is one of Bob's brightest numbers, reminiscent of "The Walkman" (from "H"). Check out former Fourplay member Lee Ritenour's dextrous solo. "What's Up" features Bob at the Fender Rhodes, backed up by Brian Culbertson at the keys. "Fly By" has both Harvey Mason Sr. and Jr. along with Fourplay bassist Nathan East supporting Bob's piano licks. "The First Time" showcases the multi-talented David McMurray. East appears again with brother Marcel and Chris Botti on the sauntering "Strollin". Vocalist Rasheeda tears it up on "Sweet Talk Me Now". Fourplay's "Bali Run" is sampled here. "Trade Winds" cools us down with Jonathan Butler. "Bisso Baba" closes us out with Butler and Richard Bona. JOY RIDE is dedicated to the memory of Bob's longtime manager, the late Peter Paul."
Typical $#!+, y'all...EXCELLENT!!
Will Mosley | ex-Georgian living in the DC metro area | 02/10/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm the type of person that the music I listen to has to stand out in order to get my attention. Bob is one of those artists who never fails to get my attention and I've been a fan since I was 16 ("Touchdown" was my introduction to jazz). "Joyride" is his best solo effort in years. It's probably the only CD that I'll end up replacing from playing so much (pat yourself on the back, Bob!). It's not unusual for me to play this CD around people and they would stop the conversation and ask who's playing. I strongly recommend it for casual gathering/cruising background music and those who are just now discovering jazz. The mixture of slow tunes and upbeat stuff does not disappoint. Looking forward to his next release
(both solo and with Fourplay)."
...and a'ridin' we will go!
E. B. Hopkins | Seattle, WA | 06/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Great Bob James piece! PERIOD! I've been a Bob James fan since 1987 and my first year in college. I worked at a college radio station and the dj that normally did the "quiet storm" took sick and couldn't do his show. Up until then, my background with the smooth-jazz genre was SHALLOW at best! I remember putting the record on (yes, WAX) and listening to the tune and watching the lights on the phone light up and hearing the people ask, "who is that?" Pure greatness and ever since, I will ALWAYS buy a Bob James CD without listening to it first somewhere! This one is as "juice- jammed" packed as fresh Blueberries from the vendor at your local fruit stand! I'm in awe of this man and his musical talent. Bob, we even are planning to decorate our new home with one of your art pieces! Keep on keep on man!"
A pretty pleasant CD
Mike Moses | Ottawa, Ont., Canada | 04/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big jazz fan and I love how Amazon.com finds great CDs for me to listen to in their recommendations section. This one does not dissapoint. It has kind of a mellow/pleasant tune to it. Here's a good way to describe it: when you go to... and sit down to read, this is exactly the sort of music you hear. It's uncanny how much it is like it! This cd's well worth a listen"