Smooth jazz supergroup
Fourplay bring more laid-back pop tunes and lite jams to the group's eighth studio album,
Journey. There aren't many surprises here for anyone familiar with the genre. However, pianist
Bob James is a brilliant composer and tasteful improviser, and he raises the bar here on tracks like the intricate "From Day One" and the atmospheric "Departure." Similarly, drummer
Harvey Mason's Brazilian jazz-inflected "Rozil" stands out, as does bassist/vocalist
Nathan East's title track, which calls to mind guitarist
Eric Clapton's acoustic work. This is a pleasant album that should appeal to longtime fans. ~ Matt Collar