Overview
7:00P SHOW | DOORS @ 5P
10:00P SHOW | DOORS @ 9:15P
A true architect of contemporary jazz, Bob James remains one of the most vital and influential figures in music history. From his discovery by Quincy Jones in 1963 to his genre-defining solo career, James has mastered the art of blending sophisticated jazz with pop, R&B, and classical sensibilities. His live performances are a masterclass in precision and phrasing, often featuring his signature "working quartet" or trio.
James' influence bridges classical precision, sophisticated fusion, and the very roots of hip-hop. As a pioneer of the "crossover" sound, he modernized the genre by blending orchestral arrangements with soulful electric piano, most famously heard in his iconic Taxi theme, "Angela." Beyond his Grammy-winning work with the supergroup Fourplay, his most enduring cultural impact remains his status as one of the most sampled artists in history; the melodic DNA of tracks like "Nautilus" and "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" provided the essential breakbeats for legends such as Run-D.M.C. and Wu-Tang Clan.
James continues to push creative boundaries with nonstop energy, frequently collaborating with legends like Dave Koz or fostering new talent within his own ensembles. Whether in an intimate jazz club or on a grand festival stage, a Bob James concert is a celebration of a six-decade legacy characterized by impeccable taste, improvisational brilliance, and an enduring "cool" that defines the jazz-fusion era.
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