ProJazz.net

Grand Piano Canyon is the 22nd solo album by Bob James. It was released on June 28, 1990. The cover art is reproduced from an original painting by David Grath entitled “Grand Piano Canyon.”

Reception

This CD is more jazz-oriented than most of Bob James’ recordings and even takes chances in a few spots. The tunes, mostly by James, contain several strong melodies, including a tribute piece for Sarah Vaughan; among the sidemen are guitarist Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum on tenor and soprano, and (in a guest spot) tenor great Michael Brecker. The results overall are still poppish in places, but the diverse instrumentation, which changes from song to song, and the wide range of moods covered make this release of some interest (Scott Yanow/AllMusic).

Track listing
All tracks are written by Bob James, unless otherwise noted.

1. “Bare Bones”
Bob JamesMax Risenhoover
4:46
2. “Restoration” 5:46
3. “Wings for Sarah” 5:37
4. “Svengali” 4:50
5. “Worlds Apart” 4:31
6. “…Stop That!”
Bob JamesMax Risenhoover
4:44
7. “Xraxse” 4:33
8. “Just Listen” Lee Ritenour 7:09
9. “Far from Turtle”
Bob JamesMax Risenhoover
6:28

Personnel
All songs written by Bob James, except where noted.

1 – “Bare Bones” (Bob James, Max Risenhoover) – 4:44

Bob James – acoustic piano, horn arrangements
Dean Brown – guitar
Nathan East – bass
Harvey Mason – drums
Chris Hunter – alto saxophone
Andy Snitzer – tenor saxophone
Roger Rosenberg – baritone saxophone
Jim Pugh – trombone
Jon Faddis – trumpet
Randy Brecker – trumpet
Mixed by Bill Schnee
Recorded by Gene Curtis, Max Risenhoover and Al Schmitt.

2 – “Restoration” – 5:44

Bob James – acoustic piano, arrangements
Lee Ritenour – guitar
Nathan East – bass
Harvey Mason – drums
Leonard “Doc” Gibbs – percussion
Mixed by Bill Schnee
Recorded by Al Schmitt and Bill Schnee.

3 – “Wings For Sarah” – 5:34

Bob James – acoustic piano, arrangements
Lee Ritenour – guitar
Nathan East – bass
Harvey Mason – drums
Leonard “Doc” Gibbs – percussion
Mixed by Bill Schnee
Recorded by Max Risenhoover and Al Schmitt

4 – “Svengali” – 4:48

Bob James – acoustic piano, arrangements
Eric Gale – guitar
Gary King – bass
Harvey Mason – drums
Paulinho da Costa – percussion
Kirk Whalum – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Mixed by Bill Schnee
Recorded by Hank Cicalo, Steve Holroyd, Max Risenhoover and Al Schmitt.

5 – “Worlds Apart” – 4:30

Bob James – acoustic piano, synthesizers, arrangements
Dean Brown – guitar
Abraham Laboriel – bass
Harvey Mason – drums
Leonard “Doc” Gibbs – percussion
Mixed by Max Risenhoover
Recorded by Max Risenhoover and Al Schmitt.

6 – “…Stop That!” (James, Risenhoover) – 4:43

Bob James – acoustic piano, arrangements
Dean Brown – guitar
Nathan East – bass
Max Risenhoover – drums, recording, mixing
Chris Hunter – alto saxophone
Roger Rosenberg – baritone saxophone
Michael Brecker – tenor sax solo
Andy Snitzer – tenor saxophone
Jim Pugh – trombone
Jon Faddis – trumpet
Randy Brecker – trumpet

7 – “Xraxse” – 4:29

Bob James – acoustic piano, synthesizers, arrangements
Max Risenhoover – drums, percussion sequencing, recording, mixing

8 – “Just Listen” (Lee Ritenour) – 7:11

Bob James – acoustic piano, electric piano
Lee Ritenour – Takamine classical guitar synthesizer, rhythm arrangements
Nathan East – Clavenger bass
Harvey Mason – drums, percussion sequencing
Leonard “Doc” Gibbs – percussion
Recorded by Max Risenhoove and Al Schmitt.
Mixed by Bill Schnee

9 – “Far From Turtle” (Risenhoover) – 6:28

Bob James – acoustic piano
Max Risenhoover – synthesizers, percussion, arrangements, recording, mixing
Nathan East – Clevenger bass
Mary Benander – Japanese phrases
Track information and credits adapted the album’s liner notes.

____________________

Released: June 28, 1990
Studios: Clinton Recording Studios, Inc. (New York, NY)
Ocean Way Recording (Hollywood, CA)
Remidi Studios (Ardsley-On-Hudson, NY)
Length: 48:24
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Producer: Bob James