by Alex HendersonAlthough Bob James has recorded more than his share of mindless throwaways over the years, he surprises us every now and then by coming out with something worthwhile. Recorded live at three New York venues (The Bottom Line, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall), All Around the Town was a definite improvement over tasteless studio projects like Heads, Lucky Seven and Touchdown. Pop-flavored jazz is dominant, although the keyboardist/pianist manages to get in a little straight-ahead jazz as well. James is especially inspired on his modal post-bop piece "The Golden Apple" and Benny Goodman's swing era hit "Stompin' at the Savoy," but he also has some nice solos on pop-jazz offerings like "Angela (Theme from Taxi)" and "Westchester Lady." And on Boz Scaggs' "We're All Alone," James shows that a '70s pop hit can be an appropriate vehicle for jazz blowing. The CD's weakest offering is the opener "Touchdown," which doesn't improve at all on-stage and still sounds like corny '70s movie music. But for the most part, this is an album James can be proud of. [A Japanese CD version of the album was also released.]