Bob James : Fourplay - Heartfelt :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - Heartfelt
Released 2002

1. Galaxia
2. That's The Time
3. Break It Out
4. Rollin'
5. Let's Make Love
6. Heartfelt
7. Tally Ho!
8. Cafe L'Amour
9. Ju-Ju
10. Goin' Back Home
11. Karma
12. Making Up

Fourplay: Bob James (keyboards); Larry Carlton (guitar); Nathan East (bass); Harvey Mason (drums). Producers: Fourplay, Harvey Mason Jr. Recorded at Royaltone Studios, North Hollywood, California and at O'Henry Studios, Burbank, California. The four men who make up the smooth-jazz supergroup Fourplay are the creme de la creme of the studio scene. They've probably graced the albums of more artists than there are notes on this recording. So you can be sure that when they come together to make a collective musical statement like HEARTFELT, you're in for some of the most immaculate production and technically flawless musicianship this side of Steely Dan, without all the smart-ass misanthropy to get in the way. From Larry Carlton's biting guitar solo on the sinuous opener "Galaxia" to Bob James's poignant, melodic piano work on the title tune, there's glitch-free instrumental expression aplenty on HEARTFELT. And when the band lays into a slow-burning funky groove such as the one that powers "Ju-Ju," the contributions of drummer Harvey Mason and bassman Nathan East are equally apparent. Most impressive, though, is the way all the members of this quartet work together as a unit in the service of realizing a vision larger than any of the individual players.

"Bob James was a part of my early listening as I grew up with his early music constantly being played in the house by my parents. Bob James's albums '1' to '4' with their infectious grooves and fantastic use of all the instruments I love, like Rhodes, clav and wah wah guitar opened my ears to a sound that I have loved ever since. Constantly seeking out the retro style of that era that unfortunately has lost its way in today's sound, Bob James was an inspiration to many musicians and still is today with his songs like 'Tappan Zee', 'Nautilus' and' Take Me To The Mardi Gras' being used by many rap artists, allowing a younger generation to experience what was his unique style and sound. His early sound was very experimental and imaginative and it is great to know he is being honored with this award. Nice one Bob!" - Stuart Wade of
Down to the Bone

"Bob James never ceases to amaze me. When I first met him he was sitting in front of a piano not looking at all like a pianist, so I didn't expect very much from him. Especially since he was about to accompany one of the greatest singers of our time, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, but when his hands touched that piano his brilliance became clearly evident. His musicianship reflected both his jazz and classical experience. He enhanced her performances beautifully. I later found him to be an incredible arranger who had a flair for pop music mixed with jazz and R&B. His recordings as a stable mate on CTI Records reflected a very listenable modern approach to jazz. As a producer he has created records that started a trend that transcends its time. As a member of the group Fourplay, Bob has once again shown his unlimited ability to adapt to any musical environment.

It is an honour to recognize Bob James as the first recipient of the George
Benson Lifetime Achievement Award." - George Benson