Bob James made his name in fusion and smooth jazz but some of us believe the pianists acoustic trio records represent his highest art His 1996 album Straight Up with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade and 2004s Take It from the Top with bassist James Genus and drummer Billy Kilson are career highlights and gems of their genre Those records will never escape the shadow of 1978s Touchdown or 1975s One but now James gives us the best of both worlds revisiting his biggest hits in a trio format and tossing in other tunes Despite its title Feel Like Making LIVE isnt a concert recording It was recorded live in the studio with old pal Kilson and young bassist Michael Palazzolo whos been in James bands for several years now Rather than swing like a bop trio they play classy RB and poptinged jazz thats both accessible and adventurous
