Twenty seven years after co-founding Fourplay, legendary Grammy winning keyboardist/composer and contemporary jazz innovator Bob James’ ESPRESSO album marks a triumphant return to his solo career after 12 years working with David Sanborn, Keiko Matsui and others.
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Ensembling with his powerhouse trio of Michael Palazzolo (bass) and Billy Kilson (drums), this vibrant, eclectic, deeply percussive set – which we could easily nickname “Threeplay” – focuses on James’ mastery of Smooth Jazz, straight-ahead, light funk, free-form improvisation, swing and other jazz-related styles.
Driven by his deep chemistry with the trio, James’ stylistically liberating vibe extends to wild re-imaginings of Grover Washington, Jr. and Fats Waller classics.