"I was just talking on the phone to a very good friend of mine as we recall the music that we both loved in the '70s and '80s and still enjoy listening to this day. Bob James, whom we both watched at a live concert years ago, was one of the subjects of our conversation, and we both agreed that of all Bob James' recordings, "Bob James Two" is our top favorite. Likewise, we both agreed to JAZZIZ Magazine's 1997 Readers' Poll which voted Mr. James as the #1 Best Acoustic Pianist and #1 Best Jazz Composer. Our phone conversation prompted me to write this review.
I have loved the music of Mr. James ever since I heard the albums he collaborated with a gifted guitarist, Earl Klugh, on "One On One" and a follow-up "Two Of A Kind," which my friend and I both own in LP formats. This wonderful CD consists of six tracks (I wish there were more) superbly arranged and conducted by the very talented Mr. James himself, who also plays electric piano and organ magnificently.
The opening and one of the best tracks, "TAKE ME TO THE MARDI GRAS" was composed by another famous artist, Paul Simon, and it was a jazz staple in the '70s/'80s and everyone I know loves this dynamic tune. The mixed ensemble of various instruments blended perfectly in harmony to produce this awesome recording. I especially like the solo clarinet by Eddie Daniels as well as Eric Gale on guitar.
"I FEEL A SONG IN MY HEART" is a standout! This song has straight-to-the-point lyrics and sung by one of the finest divas in the jazz scene and my favorite jazz vocalist, Patti Austin. Hers is a kind of voice that is really meant to sing jazz/blues songs. Her interpretation is heartfelt and moving, not to mention the flawless arrangement. Some of my favorite songs that she recorded are "How Do You Keep The Music Playing," "Say You Love Me" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes."
Another highlight to me is the track that I never get tired listening to all these years.... "YOU'RE AS RIGHT AS RAIN," which was originally recorded by the Stylistics in the '70s. Remember the famous and best-loved Rhythm & Blues group back then? Their most notable songs are "You'll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart," "I'm Stone In Love With You," "Stop Look And Listen To Your Heart" and "You Are Everything."
The track that has a classical touch is "Farandole:"L' Arlesienne Suite No. 2." It was arranged and adapted from the great master Georges Bizet's composition. It features a fine jazz musician, Hubert Laws, on flute. The rest of the tracks are Bob James' original compositions "The Golden Apple" and a very remarkable tune, "Dream Journey."
Superb recording! Will never get tired listening to it especially "I Feel A Song In My Heart."
"
Something incredible to listen to....
Philip Eldring | Köln, Germany | 09/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the best Jazz music artists in history. Don't miss this great recording. Not only for "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" because of RUN-DMCs Peter Piper track but for the music in a whole. Especially the track "I feel a song (in my heart)" is something you should listen to. Also worth the money are One, Three, BJ4, Heads, Touchdown, Foxie (which includes the sample of "Guess Who's Back" by Rakim) and One on One featuring Earl Klugh. If you buy the a.m. albums you can hear HipHop samples en masse. Bob James is not only a jazzy genius on these albums but also a true inspiration for everyone who loves spankin' Jazz."
Bob is better...the second time around!
James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 10/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Please forgive me if I use that song quote out of context, but it fits! Bob shines forth again in this, his second album for CTI. We kick things off with his renditon of Paul Simon's "Take Me To The Mardi Gras". The intense rhythm is supported by a gorgeous string arrangement. Patti Austin lends her vocal style to Bob's take on "I Feel A Song (In My Heart), originally done by Gladys Knight And The Pips. Next we have Bob's enigmatic masterpiece "The Golden Apple", with it's dizzying metric shifts and fleet solos. Bob gives us a funky take on Georges Bizet's "Farandole" which has it's basis in the French Christmas carol "Three Great Kings". Hubert Laws has two solo parts one on the acoustic flute, and one on the rare electric version. Bob's delicate sound is heard on his version of the Stylistics' "You're As Right As Rain". We close with the dreamy Latin groove of "Dream Journey" with it's punchy brass kicks. TWO is one of Bob James' truly great efforts, which no fan of his should be without!"
It's All TWO Much
Erik North | San Gabriel, CA USA | 12/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having come into his own for real with his 1974 album ONE, Bob James continued with his jazz-rock keyboard style the following year with TWO. Only the title itself is predictable; the rest is absolutely stunning, a high-class example of the style that James immersed himself with.
The only drawback to this album, as was the case with ONE, is that there are only six tracks. But the arrangements and the selections more than make up for this perceived paucity. James does a flavorful version of Paul Simon's "Take Me To The Mardi Gras", and an impressive cover of the Stylistics' "You're Right As Rain", alongside originals like "The Golden Apple", an extremely tricky piece by any stretch of the imagination, and the eerie "Dream Journey." Future soul diva Patti Austin guests on "I Feel A Song (In My Heart)."
And then there's James' take on "Farandole", a famous movement from the incidental music that Georges Bizet composed for the play "L'Arlesienne" in the 1860s. Like many other jazz-rock or disco adaptations of such classical pieces that were numerous throughout the 1970s, the balance between improvisation and being faithful to the composer's intentions is struck very well by James and his talented sidemen, including flutist Hubert Laws. The drama of the piece remains intact, and some new twists are bought out, particularly in the tension-filled run to the end.
Like many of James' albums, TWO is appropriate, even downright essential, for anyone who remembers the great days of jazz-rock fusion and intricate keyboard work before excess synthetic glop took over in later decades. It is indeed all TWO much."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
