Straight up

This record is an unexpected treat. Bob James has had a lucrative career writing and playing crossover jazz/pop. Although he had actually started his career with a straight-ahead trio date for Mercury in 1962 and also led a bizarre avant-garde session for ESP in 1965, his career since 1974 has offered very little of interest to consumers who prefer to hear inventive jazz as opposed to pleasant background music. But for this session, James returned to the roots few knew he had. Playing in an acoustic trio with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, James contributes five straightforward originals in addition to the standard "Lost April," and interprets tunes by Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays, Horace Silver ("The Jody Grind"), and Denny Zeitlin. While not hinting at all at his usual pop material, James plays quite well, takes plenty of chances, and sounds influenced a bit by Bill Evans. With McBride and Blade contributing consistently stimulating interplay, Bob James has recorded what is certainly the finest jazz album of his career.

New compilation of the Pooh Sticks hits and misses. Straight Up: Noise Pollution C88-90 is a selection of some of the most loved / despised / ignored tracks released by The Pooh Sticks on however many records it was before it all went wilfully ‘American’ sometime around dotted-line’ing for BMG mega-corp in 1991.

Smooth Jazz Icon Richard Elliot has performed and recorded with jazz and R&B superstars Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson, The Yellow Jackets, Tower Of Power,and Bonnie Raitt, just to name a few. With more than 20 top ten smooth jazz singles and number 1 contemporary jazz albums, he has delighted his dedicated fan base worldwide. 'Straight Up Down', produced by Richard and his long-time collaborator Paul Brown, overflows with Richard's ebullient spirit. Highlights include a deeply moving remake of the S.O.S Band classic "Tell Me (If You Still Care About Me)," Richard's tasty collaboration with Paul Brown, "High Tide," the joyous "Very Delicious," and much more!

Smooth Jazz Icon Richard Elliot has performed and recorded with jazz and R&B superstars Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson, The Yellow Jackets, Tower Of Power,and Bonnie Raitt, just to name a few. With more than 20 top ten smooth jazz singles and number 1 contemporary jazz albums, he has delighted his dedicated fan base worldwide. 'Straight Up Down', produced by Richard and his long-time collaborator Paul Brown, overflows with Richard's ebullient spirit. Highlights include a deeply moving remake of the S.O.S Band classic "Tell Me (If You Still Care About Me)," Richard's tasty collaboration with Paul Brown, "High Tide," the joyous "Very Delicious," and much more!