Jubilee Offer: Patriot Classics for £2.50 |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Bob James is one of the greatest and most underappreciated musicians of the 20th Century. Though he reputedly hates the term "smooth jazz", it is possibly the best way to sum him up to somebody who does not know who he is (sorry Bob).
James' music encompasses influences from jazz and early funk, as well as showcasing his broad knowledge and impressive understanding of classical music. As a composer he is notable (some of his melodies have become signature 70's and 80's tunes), but what constantly overwhelms are his arrangements. The interplay between Bob's electric piano and his wind sections, his beautifully rich string arrangements, his funky rhythm sections... Put simply, the man made beautiful music. He also had a great team of musicians playing for him.
Unfortunately for Bob, much of his output appeared in the 80's and early 90's, so it has dated somewhat unflatteringly. Worry not though, because here you can buy the first four albums he recorded for CTI (between '74 & '76) together in one go.
Despite the misleading titles, these were not, in fact, Bob James' first albums. He debuted in 1962 with a straight jazz trio album called "Bold Conceptions" followed in 1965 by an avant-garde electronica set called "Explosions". Neither of these albums bear any resemblence to the music here, but are certainly worth checking out.
Besides anything else, this collection is fantastic value (given that these albums go for about £10 each on their own). Value or not, it is also an astonishing collection of music. As the title of this review points out, these were the finest albums Bob James ever put out. Sure, there are some fillers on here, and the somewhat dated use of certain synths will put some people off, but this is great stuff.
At best, Bob James is a musician's musician, and there is something new to be discovered every time you listen to each of these songs. At worst, this is catchy and driven music that is also capable of serving as gentle background music. I can't think of many musicians capable of that sort of versatility.
On another level, as someone who grew up largely on Hip Hop, I came to this music knowing only the classic breaks producers have been using for the past 25 years as the backbone to hip hop beats. The most famous of these is the rhythm section from James' take on Paul Simon's "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" which was spun by Run DMC back in 1986. In addition, his music has been sampled by Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, EPDM, Ice T, NWA, Common Sense, Pete Rock, Main Source, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J, Onyx, Group Home, DJ Shadow, People Under the Stairs and so many more.
If this collection impresses you, check out Bob's album "Heads", and his first collaberation with Earl Klugh, "One on One". If it doesn't impress you... go see a doctor, you have a serious problem.
James' music encompasses influences from jazz and early funk, as well as showcasing his broad knowledge and impressive understanding of classical music. As a composer he is notable (some of his melodies have become signature 70's and 80's tunes), but what constantly overwhelms are his arrangements. The interplay between Bob's electric piano and his wind sections, his beautifully rich string arrangements, his funky rhythm sections... Put simply, the man made beautiful music. He also had a great team of musicians playing for him.
Unfortunately for Bob, much of his output appeared in the 80's and early 90's, so it has dated somewhat unflatteringly. Worry not though, because here you can buy the first four albums he recorded for CTI (between '74 & '76) together in one go.
Despite the misleading titles, these were not, in fact, Bob James' first albums. He debuted in 1962 with a straight jazz trio album called "Bold Conceptions" followed in 1965 by an avant-garde electronica set called "Explosions". Neither of these albums bear any resemblence to the music here, but are certainly worth checking out.
Besides anything else, this collection is fantastic value (given that these albums go for about £10 each on their own). Value or not, it is also an astonishing collection of music. As the title of this review points out, these were the finest albums Bob James ever put out. Sure, there are some fillers on here, and the somewhat dated use of certain synths will put some people off, but this is great stuff.
At best, Bob James is a musician's musician, and there is something new to be discovered every time you listen to each of these songs. At worst, this is catchy and driven music that is also capable of serving as gentle background music. I can't think of many musicians capable of that sort of versatility.
On another level, as someone who grew up largely on Hip Hop, I came to this music knowing only the classic breaks producers have been using for the past 25 years as the backbone to hip hop beats. The most famous of these is the rhythm section from James' take on Paul Simon's "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" which was spun by Run DMC back in 1986. In addition, his music has been sampled by Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, EPDM, Ice T, NWA, Common Sense, Pete Rock, Main Source, Naughty by Nature, LL Cool J, Onyx, Group Home, DJ Shadow, People Under the Stairs and so many more.
If this collection impresses you, check out Bob's album "Heads", and his first collaberation with Earl Klugh, "One on One". If it doesn't impress you... go see a doctor, you have a serious problem.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This edition of a 2 cd four album compilation is not properly described on Amazon. Bob James' early outings in the vein of Quincy Jones' seventies music, is beautifully REMASTERED with detailed comments on each song in a slim booklet. There is also a nice slip cover over the case. These performances are priceless and the variety of funk & fusion in the performances, arrangements and choices of pieces is inspired! I was never a huge fan of Bob James as I am of Quincy, Miles or Ellington but when I hear an album that deserves praise, I don't have to look any further than these four album gems which are also offered in a fantastic low price and a completely remastered, wonderfully presented edition!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'd only heard 'Westchester Lady' on a Sampled compilation before buying this, but I wasn't disappointed - the quality of the music is consistently high throughout this set of 4 albums on 2 CDs.
The style of music really follows on from Herbie Hancock's 'Headhunters' album - bringing together the finest LA jazz and session musos with funk beats and some superb imaginative arrangements and original compositions. There are times when it ventures into the realms of cheese (or "smooth jazz" as it's known) but there's always a superb solo, cool breakbeat or some deliciously atonal wierdness to redeem it before too long. These albums were clearly a big influence on Massive Attack's early style - the drums and percussion at the start of 'Take Me To The Mardis Gras' (a great version of the Paul Simon song) are remarkably similar to those on Unfinished Sympathy, and there are many other echoes of the sounds and orchestrations here.
The style of music really follows on from Herbie Hancock's 'Headhunters' album - bringing together the finest LA jazz and session musos with funk beats and some superb imaginative arrangements and original compositions. There are times when it ventures into the realms of cheese (or "smooth jazz" as it's known) but there's always a superb solo, cool breakbeat or some deliciously atonal wierdness to redeem it before too long. These albums were clearly a big influence on Massive Attack's early style - the drums and percussion at the start of 'Take Me To The Mardis Gras' (a great version of the Paul Simon song) are remarkably similar to those on Unfinished Sympathy, and there are many other echoes of the sounds and orchestrations here.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Classic Bob James
From his early catalogue here is a cracking bargain of Bob's first 4 albums so you can hear his formative material. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Mr. I. Ringstead
Essential Listening - Incredible Price
Any survivor of the 70s and anyone interested in music should own these 4 milestones of pop-jazz. Don't hesitate, the price is hot!
Published on 23 Oct 2007 by Bonobo
Ultimate Collection - Great Price
This is four albums in one. Bob James is a Jazz pianist with a penchant for writing superb tunes. In the seventies he was signed to CTI records and these are his first four outings... Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2004 by "johnedwards1212"
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
