Search - Bob James Trio :: Straight Up

...With A Twist!

James R. Prater | Cleveland Tn. | 01/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is Bob James' third trio release. It features him with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade. Starting off, we get an unusual re-working of one of Bob's classic tunes, "Night Crawler" (originally on HEADS). "Ambrosia" is a perky tune which in one section reminds one of Michel Legrand's "Little Boy Lost". "James" is his treatment of Pat Metheny's tribute to James Taylor. "The Jody Grind" is a danceable tune by Horace Silver, featuring an unusual solo from Bob. Next comes a broody standard "Lost April". Bob's enigmatic "Three Mice Blind" with it's scary intro is my personal favorite. "Hockney" is a funky number, possibly in tribute to the artist of that name. "Shooting Stars" is a slow-swinging tune. We close with Bob's version of the Denny Zeitlin classic, "Quiet Now". STRAIGHT UP is a masterful effort from one of jazz's great keyboars masters!"

At last the jazz soul of Bob James re-emerges

James R. Prater | 07/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite a treasure from the King of highly produced Quiet Storm fusion-jazz pop/muzak/funk. Even at his most shamelessly commercial, Bob James' keyboard solos have been consistently interesting. That aspect is evident here, in a very pretty straightahead and sensitively performed trio album that, I dare say, evokes Bill Evans at times. Nice."

I was waiting for this one... Excellent!!!

NDBx | New York, NY United States | 10/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over the years, I had become acquainted with Bob James' skill as as a pianist, producer and arranger, since the early seventies. Over the years, he's been involved in a variety of styles, some of which I'd taken to others not.



Then comes this recording that for me has the best components of what Jazz is supposed to be about. The interplay, the essential soulfulness. Here he's at his best. Showing a very nice feel and touch for this material. He never overplays and always finds a way to bring the essence of a song to light.



Of all the Bob James albums I come back to this one above all others. This is a first rate trio and they interact beautifully. This is the kind of music that brought me to jazz in the first place. There's not a weak piece in the recording.



"Nightcrawler" is earthy, soulful and swings. Elegant and earthy at the same time. "Ambrosia" is a very pretty mid tempo piece, with strong interplay. Both these places have a sense of pacing.



All you Pat Metheny fans will recognize "James". This version gives it a whole new spin. It has the same feel but they gives the piece a bit of a introspective feel as well.



"The Jody Grind" is earthy and funky. "Lost April" is a real high point. A beautiful ballad with equal amounts of intellect and emotion. "Shooting Stars" is another favorite of mine and another high point. The trio really comes together on this one. "Quiet Now" is delivered with delicacy. This one ranks right up there with Bill Evans' version and that's saying something. It's different enough from Bill's version though. Mr. James offers some unique embellishments.







Mr. James is expansive without being clinical. He gets to the heart of the matter and never loses the point. This trio is elegant, tasteful and in sync.



I recommmend this one highly."