Post Description

The master of lite-jazz keyboard stylings unleashes his playful side on PLAYIN' HOOKY. Bob James has long been a favorite among today's young urban professionals who find pop music a little too rambunctious and jazz just a bit too harsh. This album gives James' fans plenty to enjoy. With such distinguished guests as Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Dave Samuels, and Chuck Loeb this disc contains some solid, yet subtle, performances. Once again, Bob seems to say "sit back and relax" while adding just a dash of youthful mischief.

The grooves are easy and consistent on such gems as "Mind Games," "Hook, Line & Sinker," and "Love Is Where." Some playful curiosities show up in "Playing With Fire," which is based on Chopin's "Etude In E Major, Opus 10 No. 3," and a very contemporary version of George Gershwin's "Do It Again". Once again James' reflective side is on display on "Are You Ready" and the lush "Glass Hearts." Overall, who could ask for more? The composer of the "Taxi" theme is going strong with no signs of putting on the brakes.

Personnel: Bob James (piano, keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Hilary James , Rasheeda (vocals); Chuck Loeb (guitar); Fareed Haque (acoustic guitar); Nick Moroch (electric guitar); James Hynes, Michael Davis , Andy Snitzer, Randy Andos, Tom Timko (horns); Marcel East (keyboards, programming); Jeff Carruthers, Michael Colina (synthesizer, programming); Max Risenhoover (vibraphone, drum programming); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); James Genus (acoustic bass); Steve Gadd , Billy Kilson (drums); Emedin Rivera, Lenny Castro (percussion).

Tracklist:

1 Playing with Fire 
 2 Mind Games 
 3 River Returns 
 4 Organza 
 5 Hook, Line & Sinker 
 6 Glass Hearts    
 7 Night Sky  
 8 Do It Again  
 9 Love Is Where 
 10 Are You Ready