Bob James Trio - Straight Up (1995)

As the title indicates, Bob James pares down his modus operandi on STRAIGHT UP. He gets back to the basics of a true jazz-trio formation and plays "straight-ahead" jazz. James leaves the synthesizers and electronic pianos behind, returning to the (acoustic) piano. Drummer Brian Blade and bassist Christian McBride round out the trio.

James' compositions work beautifully in this format. The dramatic "Shooting Stars" and the Trio's take on Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny's "James" are especially nice. All nine tracks blend together, conveying the sense of a late-night performance in a dark, basement club. James goes back in time here, and he makes some perfect, old-fashioned soft jazz.

1.Night Crawler (4:43)
2.Ambrosia (7:18)
3.James (4:52)
4.The Jody Grind (7:07)
5.Lost April (5:39)
6.Three Mice Blind (7:18)
7.Hockney (6:10)
8.Shooting Stars (6:20)
9.Quiet Now (6:20).

Live Recording
Recorded at the Power Station, New York, New York on December 20-21, 1995.
Bob James Trio: Bob James (piano); Christian McBride (bass); Brian Blade (drums).