Robbie James - 24 Hours a Night (2019)

Robbie James can compose and perform with depth and sophistication in many different genres. And to each there is always an edge that is unmistakeably his. When Robbie performs live as a solo artist, he often defaults to his love of playing jazz guitar to accompany the pop melodies of his songs. After many decades of performing in this inimitable way, Robbie has finally recorded an album documenting this part of his musical story. 24 Hours A Night is a collection of what sounds like timeless standards performed with just jazz guitar and voice. With chords and walking bass lines happening simultaneously beneath his silky vocals, you are often left with the impression there is more than just one performer. A smoky thread of optimistic longing and reluctant surrender winds throughout Robbie’s songs such as Baby’s Got Eyes For You, Square Moon Over Manhattan and So What. While in Levitation Is In The Air and 24 Hours A Night these threads are loosened with subtle humour. The two instrumentals, Killcare and On Earth As It Is On Mars, showcase Robbie’s guitar virtuosity. As with all the guitar playing on the album, the mastery is humble, never showy, never an unnecessary note. The feel and the dedication to the song are the foundation.

Robbie James, guitar, vocals