Fourplay - Journey [2004] tracklist: 01. Fields of Gold 02. Play Around It 03. From Day One 04. Journey 05. Rozil 06. Cool Train 07. Avalabop 08. The Firehouse Chill 09. Departure 10. 147 4th St Personnel: Bob James - Keyboards, Cover Painting Larry Carlton - Guitar, Composer Nathan East - Bass, Guitar (Bass), Vocals, Vocals (Background), Composer Harvey Mason, Sr. - Drums, Drum Sequencing, Percussion, Vibraphone, Composer Review Smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay bring more laid-back pop tunes and lite jams to the group's eighth studio album, Journey. There aren't many surprises here for anyone familiar with the genre. However, pianist Bob James is a brilliant composer and tasteful improviser, and he raises the bar here on tracks like the intricate "From Day One" and the atmospheric "Departure." Similarly, drummer Harvey Mason's Brazilian jazz-inflected "Rozil" stands out, as does bassist/vocalist Nathan East's title track, which calls to mind guitarist Eric Clapton's acoustic work. This is a pleasant album that should appeal to longtime fans. (by Matt Collar/www.allmusicguide.com)
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