Local Album Review // Tony Grey featuring Bob James // Nostalgia
5/5 stars
Jazz bassist Tony Grey is well known in both the international and local jazz communities for his smooth yet complex bass playing. He is an English-born musician and Berklee College of Music graduate, who is also a local music educator, composer, and author. On his sixth studio album Nostalgia, he has collaborated with legendary pianist Bob James, a pioneer in smooth jazz and a member in jazz supergroup Fourplay. The album starts with "Domino," with Grey delivering an upbeat groove, mirroring his live performances. On the second track "Let It Happen," the Bob James influence is evident – reminiscent of early works like "Angie" or "Nautilus" (one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop). Some other standout tracks are the eponymous "Nostalgia," which perfectly blends standard jazz elements with fusion, the cinematic "How Far Is The Journey," and the exotic-sounding "Dancing In Paradise." The album ends with one of the most beautiful songs on Nostalgia, "Embraceable You." This is the most stripped-down track, featuring Grey and James without any other accompaniment – showcasing their ability to play off each other and keep the listener fully engaged. This is a must-have for any fan of either artist or for someone just getting into the genre looking for something modern that mixes several jazz flavors into one album.
