Search - Bob James :: Bj 4

Treasure Island

David Booker | USA | 04/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A collectors' item. One of those rare musical moments with guest musicians that make the alblum a must have. This is one alblum where all the tracks are excellent. Along with alblums 3 and 5, the trio make an exemplary jazz jam session. Check em out."

Great...for starters!

James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 06/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone who is interested in the music of Bob James, and wondering which CD to buy first, this is the one! On his last effort for Creed Taylor's CTI label, Bob shows that he can show his gentler side, and still let his craft shine through. The material ranges from pop tunes such as "Nights Are Forever Without You" (a big hit for England Dan & John Ford Coley) and "Pure Imagination" (recognizable to anyone who has watched WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY), to four originals ("Where The Wind Blows Free" has a nice funky groove to it, while "Tappan Zee" features Bob's stellar piano work; "Treasure Island" shows his literary side, and "El Verano", based on Jefferson Starship's "Miracles", sizzles like a sultry Spanish summer). There is some great rhythm work, as well as great solos from Eric Gale, Hubert Laws, and the legendary Art Farmer."

"BJ4" Gets A High Five

Erik North | San Gabriel, CA USA | 02/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He may not have been inventive with his album titles, but jazz keyboardist Bob James has always had a way with stellar arrangements and great material. So it is with his 1977 album BJ4. Continuing the jazz-pop/rock fusion of its three immediate predecessors, BJ4 only has six tracks on it, but they are very good ones--originals like "Where The Wind Blows Free", "Tappan Zee", and "Treasure Island"; and adaptations of "Pure Imagination" (from the original 1971 film WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY), the England Dan and John Ford Coley hit "Nights Are Forever Without You", and "El Verano"--a lush Latin-influenced instrumental based on the Jefferson Starship's 1975 hit "Miracles."



James' arrangements and keyboard playing are aided by such fine musicians as percussionist Ralph MacDonald, drummer Steve Gadd, guitarist Eric Gale, and flautist Hubert Laws, along with the recording expertise of producer Creed Taylor. This is yet another jewel in James' ever-expanding crown of great albums, and well worth getting for jazz, pop, and rock fans alike."