Music Banter - Bob James appreciation thread

b. 25th December, 1939 in Marshall, Montana, U.S.A.

Bob James's recordings have practically defined pop / jazz and crossover during the past two decades.

Very influenced by pop and movie music, James has often featured R & B soloists (most notably Grover Washington, Jr.) who add a jazz touch to what is essentially an instrumental pop set.

He actually started out music going in a much different direction.

In 1962, Bob James recorded a boppish trio set for Mercury and three years later his album for ESP was quite avant-garde, with electronic tapes used for effects.

After a period with Sarah Vaughn (1965-68), he became a studio musician and by 1973 was arranging and working as a producer for CTI.

In 1974 James recorded his first purely commercial effort as a leader; he later made big-selling albums for his own Tappan Zee label, Columbia and Warner Bros, including collborations with Earl Klugh and David Sanborn.

It was in 1976, however, that James recorded, probably his most popular set with UK soul fans with 'Three'.

This set included the sublime 'Women Of Ireland' but will be best remembered for the, much sampled, 'Westchester Lady'.

In 1996, he collaborated with his daughter, Hilary, on the outing 'Flesh And Blood'. The set was well received.

Bob James is, currently, touring with the jazz quartet 'Fourplay'.

He is, without doubt, the master of the music genre 'Smooth Jazz'. Fans should not categorise the artist, as he has travelled many musical paths and has made a fine contribution to jazz and soul music.