With You in Mind

With You in Mind, bassist John Adams' third release as a leader, explores the territory that lies in between jazz and pop. Its smooth contemporary jazz sound may not have a lot of unique qualities to offer, but his adaptations of classic songs like Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon" and James Taylor's "Fire & Rain" still manage to come off well. Horace Silver's "The Jody Grind" also succeeds as a smooth, gentle introduction to the album. Less successful is his version of "Nature Boy" which features choppy arrangement and awkwardly phrased, weak vocals from James Kings. The disc also features three originals and a reprise written by Adams which leaves jazz almost completely behind with their cheery, pop-inflected sounds. Guest artists Mitch Watkins and Eric Marienthal help add some moments of interest.