★★★★★
"Bob James' breakbeat classic 'Take Me to the Mardi Gras' has long been a staple in many DJs' and producers' catalogs for decades. Though initially made famous as the back bone to Run DMC's 'Peter Piper,' the cut's lineage within hip-hop goes all the way back to the park jams of '70s. From its unmistakable drum roll to the signature bells, 'Take Me to the Mardi Gras' is undeniably one of the most famous and recognized breaks...
- www.forcedexposure.com
2015-02-05
★★★★★
If you've listened to contemporary jazz and its relatives over the last 30-plus years, chances are you've come across pianist Bob James. In fact, you don't have to be a jazz fan to have heard his music. He scored the soundtrack to the television series Taxi, including the hit theme song, "Angela. His career has placed him in the studio and on stage, as both a sideman and bandleader, alongside a virtual Who's Who of modern music...
- www.allaboutjazz.com
2010-08-20
★★★★★
If there were such a thing as a jazz Guilty Pleasures, Bob James would be its Supertramp. He's the consummate pianist-composer whose licks and grooves have been essential cogs in the clockwork of smooth American session jazz for four decades, whether in the shadows behind Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones, or out front with his own albums and the poignant theme for Taxi, the television series. His signature keyboards are effortlessly effective: the skill and learning are worn lightly...
- www.guardian.co.uk
2010-04-02
★★★★★
esp 1009 bob james trio explosions bob james: piano barre philips: bass robert pozar: percussion "bob james, a recent college graduate, brought esp a master of a session he had produced, featuring barre phillips and bob pozar. he chose for the front cover a torn poster he had photographed on a visit to australia. in 1974, having garnered several gold records, he returned to visit esp on the ground floor at 290 west end avenue, in new york city...
- www.mimaroglumusicsales.com
2009-07-17
★★★★★
This was the number one jazz album in Record World not long ago, and I predict trouble. Already the people who put out those Environments nature soundscapes must be wondering why their records never make the list.
- www.robertchristgau.com
2009-07-10
★★★★★
By any stretch of recognition, Bob James is one of the most significant keyboardist in contemporary jazz. For more than 30 years, James has dotted the jazzscape with numerous albums that have had measured success along the lines of creativity. Discovered by Quincy Jones, James' music has dominated jazz charts in every country and he has influenced any number of artists along the way...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
As I fancy myself as one who truly loves diversity in musical culture, I found this latest Bob James project quite satisfying to say the least. It is truly an aural treat from one of the truly gifted masters of jazz piano. James truly epitomizes the collaboration of Eastern and Western music directions beautifully here. The array of ancient, exotic Asian instruments just woos the senses. The melodies are clear, unique, and quite illustrative. The imagery is utterly breathtaking...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
James mellow jamming on each one of these tunes is engaging and worthy. He employs different rhythmic structures ranging from the late-night groove to the uptempo energetic style he's known for. "Take Me There" is nestled between smooth jazz and straight ahead with a relaxed groove and expressive sax by Kim Waters. Perhaps the most enjoyable here are "It's All Right," and "What's Up", with James working out on Fender Rhodes...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
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