Bob James - Restless

Still it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface! The ten selections on this CD display Bob James' many musical facets. "Lotus Leaves" is a fluid number, featuring Bob in the company of Nathan East and Max Risenhoover. "Under Me" is a jaunty number featuring Luther Vandross and Lisa Fischer. The title song showcases sax phenom Andy Snitzer. Some serious funk here!

The enigmatic "Kissing Cross" features guitarist Fareed Haque and longtime collaborator Ron Carter on bass. The big hit here is "Storm Warning" featuring Bob's daughter Hilary on lead vocals. Next follows the lusty "Animal Dreams". "We go "Back To Bali" next with Bob and Haque once again.

Michael Brecker lends a hand on the bouncy "Into The Light", one of my personal favorites. The mood quiets down a bit on "Serenissima", a piece which resembles a melody by Tchaikovsky in its beginning. Closing is the bright "Awaken Us To The Blue". RESTLESS is the perfect alternative to the hum-drum of smooth jazz.