James Robinson grew up in Campbell, CA but he has a world class sound. I discovered his CD in the slush pile with no promo attached to it and listened with increasing admiration to his multi-instrumental musical virtuosity and the way he subverts classical forms like flamenco with his own inventions and allusions; very tuneful

NO FCC-s (all instrumental) Favorite tracks: 2, 5, 6, 12, 13


1—Cascal/Celili/River of Wind –4:02 – classic sounding flamenco segues into improv with bass underneath and then lightens up

*2—Azul Sky –2:21 – flamenco with a Celtic vibe and pretty mandolin

3— The Man from New Jersey –1:50 – fast and light; intricate

4 ––Cha Cha Cha --5:19 – bouncy dance tune with wonky sounding bass slows down partway through and turns into jazz with psychedelic overtones

*5 – Soquel Creek Revisited–2:19-- has a folksong feel with mando playing the banjo part and guitar strumming underneath

*6 – New Beginnings –4:43 – more flamenco sound with rock underpinnings and a slight Hawaiian flair before it turns a little dark and ruminative

7 – Hummingbird –3:01-- nice motif that hints at beating wings

8 – Yuecel –5:13 – Eastern European-like dance tune that segues into something a little dreamier and then something a little punchier

9-- Cobalt Jazz –2:38—cool and mellow electrical

10 – Bronze –5:23-- lush Latin jazz

11-- One Take for Larry –3:11-- more electro in the lead

*12—Scarlet Tango –3:53 – sultry jazz take on the tango

*13—Los Gatos Hills—3:51-- sense of place reminiscent of Hawaiian slack key

14—Sophia –3:48 – starts contemplative; heats up a little