Jonathan Cahn

This CD reissue features some typical pop/jazz from keyboardist/arranger/composer Bob James. James often uses his musicians as a prop, adding some coloring by having short solos by Grover Washington, Jr.'s soprano (whose two appearances are easily this set's high points), and guitarists Hiram Bullock and Bruce Dunlap. An oversized rhythm section, a large horn section, and strings fail to uplift the pleasant but lightweight music much. James plays well enough but no real chances are taken on this obviously commercial effort.

The gang's all here: the in-demand New York session pros that fueled more hit records and seminal fusion cuts that anybody could accurately track down. And who knows how many tracks for TV commercials. Richard Tee came up from North Carolina and added a thick spread of Gospel to the collective sometimes billed as 'Stuff' (and sometimes not billed at all.) Every cut here climbs into a groove and rides.