Bob James Jazz Hands 180g LP (Black Vinyl)

TAS Rated 3.5/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the February 2024 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

Jazz Hands is Bob James' third outing for Evosound, following in the wake of 2018's Espresso and 2022's Feel Like Makin' LIVE. Produced by the pianist with his manager Sonny Abelardo, the ten-track album was mostly recorded during the months of the Covid pandemic and featured James in a number of different musical settings. It also features a stellar cameo from the ex-Gnarls Barkley singer CeeLo Green on the sensuous title track and includes production input from the legendary hip-hop turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff, who rose to fame as half of the hit-making '80s/'90s rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, early samplers of James' music. Blending cool jazz tropes with funky dancefloor grooves, blues-tinged ballads, cinematic mood pieces, and sensuous slow jams, Jazz Hands is the Missouri pianist's most eclectic album of his long career. Simultaneously classic and contemporary, it's Bob James at his majestic, groundbreaking, and timeless best.

James delivers his signature tasty piano licks on a bluesy 'The Othersice,' Palazzolo's introspective 'The Alchemist,' and the energized, Latin-tinged 'Mambalacious.' Smooth jazz legend Dave Koz guests on the haunting 'Into My Dream' while rising star Ukrainian saxophonist Andrey Chmut blows with urgency on 'The Secret Drawer.' The ambitious 10-minute 'Sea Goddess,' the only live performance here, features the leader's most potent piano performance, along with stellar solos from tenor saxophonist Tom Braxton and guitarist Dwight Sills.