by Jonathan WidranDean James isn't exactly a rebel with his saxophones, but his playing shows more energy and spirit-just like iconic reverse namesake - on Intimacy than it did on his 1995 debut Can We Talk, which ran the gamut stylistically without finding a distinctive voice apart from the smooth jazz sax pack. His emotions on alto and soprano were never in question, but now James has a strong trademark that helps him stand out in a crowded pack - horn doubling and tripling. Saxmen on a budget should take inspiration from the rich horn section harmony effect he achieves on the chorus of the opening track"Market Street," the attractive cover of Faith Evans'"Soon As I Get Home" and the hip-hop flavored"Nightcruise." James has other sides, too. He soars along with Jerry Peters' film score like synth orchestra arrangement on"Finally Forever," and on the Brazilian piece"Sambaforre," floats his horn above a Paulinho Da Costa-created deep jungle soundscape that would make the Rippingtons' Steve Reid envious.