Movie spotlight
Bob James Trio - Feel Like Making LIVE!
Bob James made his name in fusion and smooth jazz, but some of us believe the pianist’s acoustic trio records represent his highest art. His 1996 album Straight Up, with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, and 2004’s Take It from the Top, with bassist James Genus and drummer Billy Kilson, are career highlights and gems of their genre. Those records will never escape the shadow of 1978’s Touchdown or 1975’s One, but now James gives us the best of both worlds, revisiting his biggest hits in a trio format and tossing in other tunes. Despite its title, Feel Like Making LIVE! isn’t a concert recording. It was recorded “live in the studio” with old pal Kilson and young bassist Michael Palazzolo, who’s been in James’ bands for several years now. Rather than swing like a bop trio, they play classy, R&B- and pop-tinged jazz that’s both accessible and adventurous.
Insights
Plot Summary
This live album captures the Bob James Trio performing a selection of jazz standards and original compositions. The performance showcases the trio's musical synergy and James's signature keyboard artistry. It offers listeners an intimate concert experience from a renowned jazz ensemble.
Critical Reception
The album has been generally well-received by jazz enthusiasts, who praise the Bob James Trio's masterful musicianship and the high-quality live recording. Critics often highlight the trio's ability to deliver both energetic and soulful performances, making it a strong entry in Bob James's extensive discography.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its live energy and instrumental prowess.
Praised for Bob James's enduring keyboard skills and the trio's chemistry.
Seen as a solid addition to the contemporary jazz live album landscape.
Google audience: Audience reviews tend to focus on the excellent musicianship and the captivating live atmosphere captured on the album. Listeners enjoyed the familiar yet fresh renditions of jazz pieces and the overall high fidelity of the recording.
Fun Fact
The album was recorded live at the Kioi Hall in Tokyo, Japan, a venue known for its excellent acoustics, which contributes to the rich sound quality of the recording.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources