Reviews

Scott Yanow from the Jazz Heritage Review

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.

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.

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!!!!

Todd Kennedy – Program Director at WFIT-FM

Thanks for the Gordon James CD; it’s doing very well on WFIT-FM. We’re playing “Funky G” and “Brazilian Nights”. I personally dig the version of “TuTu.

Jose Antonio Pacheco – “Jazz ta’ bueno” at OK 101 FM Marcaibo Venezuela

Not only do my listeners like James’ Latin influenced songs but many of the other songs on the CD have been very well received.

Stephan Otettel – “Blue Notes” – Jam FM – Berlin, Germany

The Gordon James CD has become an integral part of my show. My listeners love his music.

Laurent Bonnefoy – MD Radio 16 – Besseges, France

I absolutely love the CD by Gordon James. It will make our playlist / chart for sure!

Scott Yanow – Jazz Heritage Review

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.

Brian Soergel – Smooth Vibes.com

Although not well known, James blows a mean trumpet and is highly recommended. One of James’ strengths is knowing which songs to cover.

Paula Edelstein – Jazz Review.com

Overall, this CD is worth the money because of stellar talent, the originality of the arrangements and the song selection. Aural emotions normally captured by string arrangements, are reached for and captured here with brass instruments, a testament to Gordon James’ ability to translate his intriguing sounds to an appreciative audience.

Dave Hughes – All About Jazz.com

This album has a funky, soulful feel. Half of the dozen tunes are competent James originals, and a couple of well chosen covers (‘”Grazin in the Grass” and Tutu”) prove to be particularly good vehicles for James’ solos.

Jazzman Online

It’s a wild ride from beginning to end, and the high energy Gordon brings to his phrasing pulls it all together.

Fred Scott – Contemporary jazz.com

There are not too many smooth jazz trumpeters or flugelhornists in this industry. Rick Braun and Chris Botti are having superb success within the market. Well guys, make room for one more: Gordon James. James is a break from the pack by combining the musical worlds of Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, Latin, Pop and Jazz. “I have listened to this album over and over again, and have not grown tired of it yet. Gordon James talent should be discovered by the world.”

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