Bob James - Jazz Hands (2023) [Vinyl]

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 dance floor 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, ground-breaking, and timeless best.

Bob James, piano
Michael Palazzolo, double bass
Nathan Phillips, bass
James Adkins, drums
Jay Williams, drums
Lenny Castro, percussion
Ricky Peterson, Hammond B-3 organ, synthesizer
Dave Koz, saxophone
Andrey Chmut, saxophone
Tom Braxton, saxophone
Carlos Camilo Perez, synth bass, drum programming
John Mahon, drums, percussion
Ramon Yslas, percussion
David Marchione Sr., guitars
Will Patrick, guitars
Dwight Sills, guitars
CeeLo Green, turntable
Jazzy Jeff, turntable