Trumpeter Gordon James has a mellow sound that, when muted is reminiscent of Miles Davis in the late 1980’s. James has created a set of jazz-influenced music that is accessible, contemporary and not without its unpredictable moments. It’s a colorful set that crosses many musical boundaries and should appeal to a wide audience.
Archive for November, 2011
Denis Poole – Smooth Jazz Therapy
On both trumpet and flugelhorn Gordon James has a tone that is brim full of sensuous warmth. His brand new album is ‘In Joy’ and it’s a measure of the esteem in which James is held that some of the greatest talents in contemporary jazz have clamored to collaborate with him on it. ‘In Joy’ is indeed a joy and comes highly recommended.
Ronald Jackson – Jazzreview.com
It’s been said that smooth jazz trumpeters are not very plentiful today. Rick Braun, Chris Botti and Greg Adams quickly come to mind as being among the major heavyweights. Gordon James shows here that he deserves a place in the spotlight, as well. In Joy boasts a rhythm section that holds down a mellow, smooth groove as James’ sultry trumpet and flugelhorn entices the aural sensitivities as well as the soul. I was truly hard pressed to find an unimpressive cut in the collection.
Fred Scott – Contemporary Jazz.com
There are not too many smooth jazz trumpeters in this industry. Rick Braun and Chris Botti are having superb success within the market. Well guys, make room for one more: Gordon James is a break from the pack by combining the musical worlds of Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, Latin, Pop and Jazz. Gordon James talent should be discovered by the world.
Hans-Bernd Hulsmann www.smooth-jazz.de
Gordon James showcases with A New Kind Of Love anew his unique style expanding his horizons beyond smooth jazz breaking the boundaries of many radio stations.
Wes Gillespie – Euro Club de Jazz.com
I am a sucker for this kind of sound and Gordon James has certainly pulled the proverbial ‘rabbit out of the hat’ and dished up a plate of culinary delights. Many similarities to Miles, Herb Alpert and Chet Baker are quite evident on this excellent 12 track collection, another ‘must have’ album for contemporary jazz fans.
Making of a New Kind of Love – Part Two
On Saturday nights it had become a ritual for me to go into my logic pro studio in my home and play. My roommates would joke with me and say “how many people are in there with you”. What can I say, I just tend to work out loud and you know run things by myself. Anyway this one Saturday night I was in the kitchen making some tea and this beat came into my head. It was like an eastern indian beat with tablas and udu drums. I started singing the words to John Lennon’s Give Peace A Chance and then I had an ahha moment. (more…)
Making of A New Kind of Love – part one
It was December 2009. I was about to start a Think and Grow Rich class the following month but I was already reading the book. The class was being held at the Center for Spiritual living of North Jersey where I was playing for the services. At one of the services prior to that I had met Anne, a beautiful like minded spiritual aspirant like myself. We ended up hitting it off and became good friends. (more…)
A New Kind of Love CD
There are several tracks on this recording that could have easily served as the title cut. Straight from the Heart, With Our Love even Smile were all considered. I chose A New Kind of Love because it has all of the qualities the others have; oneness, happiness, hope, and both personal and universal love. But more than that it tells of a shift in consciousness that’s happening on the planet. This music follows a movement towards love, kindness, gratitude, compassion, oneness and peace. It may not seem that way if you turn on the news but whats not getting reported on are all the amazing stories of people in all walks of life who are dedicated to waking up to love, art and beauty and who are giving and sharing there incredible talents to make a better more cooperative and creative world. (more…)
Al Santos – WJZW – Washington DC
Thanks for a great CD! The Gordon James CD is quite GOOD!!! I’ll be adding “Funky G” and Pulse to our smooth jazz library. Thanks again for the CD… he’s GOOOOOD!!!!