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.
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.