Gordon James - In Joy (2008)

Composer, flugelhornist and trumpeter Gordon James has garnered the smooth jazz genre since a long time. Eric Kloss, Johnny Guitar Watson, Blue Aquarius, Roy Ayres, Angela Bofill, Bobby Caldwell, Alex Bugnon, Pieces of a Dream, Chuck Loeb, Josh Dion, Cassandra Wilson are among the artists Gordon performed with.

His debut album Candlelight Love was released in 1995, followed by the albums Gordon James (1999), After Hours (2004) and in 2007 his latest project In Joy. Gordon was supported by keyboardist James Lloyd (Pieces Of A Dream), who co-wrote, produced and arranged most tracks of the album.

The title song In Joy introduces into the new album. Gordon presents a formidable mixture of muted trumpet and flugelhorn. Inspired by Bob Baldwin who produced and arranged the song Gordon performs the sultry theme with ease.

It was the time of funk and disco, when Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway sang the duet Back Together Again (1980). By the way one of Donny's final recordings. Chuck Loeb's riffs on acoustic guitar are supreme and celestial.

The shuffle Straight From The Heart features guitarist Gil Parris. A tune in the happy going Tijuana Brass style of Herb Alpert. The infectious Drivin' is James Lloyd first masterwork on Gordon's album. A killer song for all dance floor fans.

The title Another Love Song sounds somehow profane. But the slow ballade is subtle and has its depth. Incredible Gordon's dexterity on his 3-valved Bb model.
One Nation Under A Groove is a piece of funk history. It was Funkadelic's most successful album (1978). George Duke will return to these funk elements with his upcoming album Dukey Treats. Gordon's rendition is more moderate and smooth.

James Lloyd delivers anew a perfect sound frame on 2 Trumps Up. He is an in demand composer and keyboardist. We have often reviewed his projects with POAD or with other musicians like Walter Beasley, Alexander Zonjic, Najee and many more. Gordon's treatment of his trumpet is stunning.

The catchy Sunshine was written by the legendary producers Jam and Lewis for Alexander O'Neal's album Hearsay (1990). Gordon's rendition is close to the original, even James Lloyd uses the same synth equipment. G's House is based on the popular shuffle beat and showcases Gordon's fantastic layers of flugelhorn and trumpet.

The slow ballade Always In My Heart is very suitable for a slow dreamy dance with your beloved woman. Associations with Herb Alpert's popular love song are purely coincidental. On Keep It Real James Lloyd teams Gordon anew to a cool groove presenting the muted trumpet in the limelight.

The final Beatnick' has a captivating retro-beat. James Lloyd's organ perfectly fits to Gordon's muted trumpet.

Gordon James' album In Joy is a notable addition to everybody's smooth jazz collection.