BJ 4 starts off promising with a flugelhorn solo from the great
Art Farmer, but the music soon sinks into pure commercialism.
Bob James' keyboards are always prominent, as are the rather mechanical rhythms churned out by bassist
Gary King, drummer
Steve Gadd, and percussionist
Ralph MacDonald. Although there are some catchy moments, the six selections (which all clock in between almost five and almost seven minutes) never seem to travel anywhere.
Farmer, flutist
Hubert Laws and guitarist
Eric Gale have short solos that are primarily used as props and for contrast before
James takes back complete control. The occasional strings and woodwinds make the light funk music here seem a bit Muzaky, so this is one to skip. ~ Scott Yanow