Bob James, born on December 25, 1939, in Marshall, Missouri, is an American Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist, arranger, and record producer. Renowned for his distinct blend of smooth jazz, funk, and pop, Bob James' sound has become a tapestry of modern jazz history. After his early work with Sarah Vaughan and Quincy Jones and a landmark collaboration with Creed Taylor on CTI Records, where he established his smooth sound on albums such as "One," which featured his classic track "Nautilus," James further enhanced his reputation as a prolific composer and performer throughout the '70s and '80s.

His career has spanned several decades, marked by innovation and collaboration, including forming the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay. In recent years, Bob James has continued to push the boundaries and appeal to a wide audience. His recent works like "Jazz Hands" and ventures into live interpretations of classics, as evidenced by "Feel Like Making LIVE!," reflect both his rich legacy and an ongoing spirit of exploration. His collaboration with modern artists such as CeeLo Green keeps his music fresh and relevant. Meanwhile, tracks like "Atsuko's Arcade" and "Rocket Man" illustrate his unceasing knack for infusing contemporary sounds with his timeless jazz aesthetic. With a career mirroring the evolution of modern jazz, Bob James is an emblem of versatility and enduring talent in the world of music.

Genres

Jazz Funk

Jazz Piano

Smooth Jazz

Related Artists

George Benson

Pat Metheny

Earl Klugh

Lee Ritenour

Fourplay

Joe Sample

David Sanborn

Herbie Hancock

Chick Corea

Al Jarreau

McCoy Tyner

Bill Evans

Latest Release

Jazz Hands

Bob James

Album - 10 Tracks - Released September 15, 2023