Bob James - Obsession

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Bob James
Obsession

Comments / Smooth Jazz Now.com
As usual, Bob James is joined by an all-star cast on this 1986 release. Steve Khan, Marcus Miller, Randy and Michael Brecker, saxophonists Andy Snitzer and Kirk Whalum, Jon Faddis, and vocalist Lisa Fischer all lend their talents to this R&B flavored recording. The seven tracks blend smoothly together, delivering something approaching the more packaged and produced '90s Bob James sound. In spite of James' obvious change in style, composition and production on much of OBSESSION, he still delivers a unique fusion jam on several cuts, including the title track. "Steady" features a fine saxophone solo by Kirk Whalum, and there's also an appropriately-titled late night jam, "3 A.M." Such tunes as the sound effect-based "Rain," and the Lisa Fischer vocal "Gone Hollywood," provide further evidence of James' progression away from his '70s incarnation.

"He is a gracious, melodic and harmonic genius whose concept of space reminds me of the eloquence of Count Basie. I am presently in the midst of creating a space devoted to the sound of 9.6" ft. concert grand piano and Bob's "Grand Piano Canyon" remains as one of the earliest inspirations for my doing this."- Freddie Ravel