- Bold Conceptions
"Bold Conceptions" is
Bob James ' debutalbum made in 1962. This is also his firstjazz trio album when he formed a band called the "Bob James Trio", which includes bassistRon Brooks and drummerRobert "Bob" Pozar .Review
From the first powerful kick of "A Moment's Notice", it is clear that it is not the Bob James from the "Taxi" TV theme, the fusion-flavored
Fourplay group, or the smooth pop albums done withEarl Klugh andDavid Sanborn . This the original Bob James- his very first album, in fact recorded at age 22 (and produced byQuincy Jones ) as a prize for winning the 1962 "Collegiate Jazz Festival". Not only the trio win as a unit, bur each member won as promising player on his own instrument (James also won as leader). This collection, largely bop in its approach, is astonishing in its precocious reach, featuring two of James originals: the intriguing "Quest" and the daringly impressionistic "Trilogy" that involves the playing ofoil drums ,temple blocks ,golf balls , among other things.The trio acquits itself well with the varied, ambitious material, including an ethereal "Nardis," a selection from Leonard Bernstein's ballet, Candide, and a churning rendition of "Birk's Works." The only ballad is a confident, sensitive treatment of "Fly Me to the Moon." The CD also includes two bonus tracks, "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise" and "Ghost Riders in the Sky"; it's unclear whether they were part of the original session, but they are equally playful and joyous. Impressive trio work, great spirit. (Warning: Liner notes are microscopic.)Personnel
*
Bob James : Grand Piano
*Ron Brooks : Bass
*Robert Pozar : DrumsTrack listing
*1. "A Moment's Notice" (Ernie Wilkins) - 3:06
*2. "Nardis" (Miles Davis) - 5:27
*3. "The Night We Call It A Day" (Tom Adair/Matt Dennis) - 4:31
*4. "Trilogy" (Bob James) - 6:41
*5. "Quest" (Bob James) - 4:06
*6. "My Love (from Candide)" (Leonard Bernstein) - 5:11
*7. "Fly Me to the Moon (aka In Other Words)" (Bert Howard) - 4:39
*8. "Birk's Works" (John Gillespie/Dizzy Gillespie) - 4:21
*9. "Softly as in A Morning Sunrise" (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg) - 3:36
*10. "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" (Stan Jones) - 3:29
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