Journey

Pianist Bob James and drummer Harvey Mason have gotten their bebop yearnings out of their systems through solo albums, and guitarist Larry Carton took care of his blues craving with an album of his own. Now, they reunite their smooth-jazz supergroup leaving bassist Nathan East with plenty to do. East dominates the first half of this album with vocal work on the first five tracks. While Carlton leads the Sting cover, "Fields of Gold," it is the opening riff, East's vocals on the bridge, and his signature bass runs at the end that make it attractive. East hip-hops the proceedings on his composition "Play Around It" and sings passionately enough on the title track to warrant kudos from his other employer, Eric Clapton. The other half of the record is a more adventurous group effort featuring longer lines and more intense soloing, particularly on James's "Avalabop" and Carlton's "Cool Train." — Mark Ruffin.