Mothers of Hope

Mothers of Hope offers more substance than most in this vein. James' cool, casual party vibes are mixed with Gospel choir segues and lyrics that go far beyond hackneyed mating rituals. James has assembled a large ensemble of veteran Canadian players for Mothers of Hope, including the leading lights of such former domestic soul-pop hitmakers as Motherlode and Dr. Music. The cast smolders nicely. The title track sets the album's upbeat theme -- that each of us is responsible for passing on the good in life to generations that come. Without getting preachy, the disc works up a potent instrumental and lyrical ecstacy that is rather captivating.
-Roch Parisien, AllMusic

John James: vocals; programming; wah sax
Earl Seymour: baritone, tenor, soprano sax; flute
Steve Kennedy: tenor sax; flute
Vern Dorge: alto sax; flute
Terry Promane: trombone
Rick Waychesko: trumpet; flugelhorn
Dave Dunlop: trumpet; flugelhorn
Peter Cardinali: bass; horn arrangement; backing vocals
Penti (Whitey) Glan: drums
Doug Riley: Hammond B3; Fender Rhodes; Wurlitzer; piano
Lou Pomanti: clavinet; mini Moog; Fender Rhodes; Hammond B3; piano
Brian Leonard, Rick Lazar: percussion overdubs
Wayne (Stoney) Stone: cymbal overdubs

Vocal Group:
Dianne Brooks, Steve Kennedy, Kenny Marco, Wayne St. John

Produced by Peter Cardinali and John James
Recorded at Phase one, Toronto, Ontario
Mixed at McClear Sound, Toronto, Ontario
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, in New York, NY, USA