AVIDIGI

The ten selections on this CD display Bob James' many musical facets. "Lotus Leaves" is a fluid number, featuring Bob in the company of Nathan East and Max Risenhoover. "Under Me" is a jaunty number featuring Luther Vandross and Lisa Fischer. The title song showcases sax phenom Andy Snitzer. Some serious funk here! The enigmatic "Kissing Cross" features guitarist Fareed Haque and longtime collaborator Ron Carter on bass. The big hit here is "Storm Warning" featuring Bob's daughter Hilary on lead vocals. Next follows the lusty "Animal Dreams". "We go "Back To Bali" next with Bob and Haque once again. Michael Brecker lends a hand on the bouncy "Into The Light", one of my personal favorites. The mood quiets down a bit on "Serenissima", a piece which resembles a melody by Tchaikovsky in its beginning. Closing is the bright "Awaken Us To The Blue". RESTLESS is the perfect alternative to the hum-drum of smooth jazz.
Jazz fusion keyboard player Bob James took time out from his collaboration with jazz supergroup Fourplay members Lee Ritenour, Nathan East and Harvey Mason to release his first solo album in five years. Many ears only know James as the author of "Angela," more commonly known as the theme song from the classic TV sitcom "Taxi." While that composition is a classic in its own right, there are plenty more sides to this man's talents. RESTLESS does tend to offer up some radio-friendly, more commercial moments for the likes of jazz fusion "the wave" radio stations, but this album is still a well done, very pleasurable listening experience.

Tracklist:

1. Lotus Leaves
2. Under Me
3. Restless
4. Kissing Cross
5. Storm Warning
6. Animal Dreams
7. Back to Bali
8. Into the Light
9. Serenissima
10. Awaken Us to the Blue