Jazz Hands

I own several LPs by Bob James and many more discs where he has contributed keyboard work.  I have always found his playing to be very laid-back and often left me wanting more excitement (for lack of a better term) in his playing.  Of his recordings I do own, my personal favourite would be "Heads".  Musicians include Eric Gale on guitar, David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr. & Michael Brecker on sax and a host of others including Ralph MacDonald and Randy Brecker.  

The version of You Are So Beautiful takes the song to a completely new level IMHO.  Grover Washington's sax work is beautiful.  I will give the new disc a listen.

I am ambivalent about West Coast "easier" jazz. Some of it is really great -- Ritenour, Larry Carlton, for example. Other stuff from that region sometimes strikes me almost like Muzak, though that's too harsh. It's "jazz for bourgeois white people," in a way. Nothing wrong with liking what you like -- and not everything has to be Coltrane wailing away, etc. -- but for my tastes, I'd much prefer the "ease" of, say, a Kenny Barron than the schmaltz of a Bob James. But that's me.

@hilde45  +1

Well he's no Oscar Peterson but few are.   

I think his current work is a lot more interesting then 80s 90s and I appreciate those additional recommendations! I know I can probably get them sealed at local record store at lower than internet prices and certainly less shipping.

For all who wants to talk about "real jazz", please understand that all music matters. I also don't see why anyone should try to be Oscar Peterson. Being yourself is a lot better.