Bob James finished a tremendous week of shows at the legendary venue with Perry Hughes on guitar, Carlitos del Puerto on bass, and Clarence Penn on drums.
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Bob James debuts Piano Concerto
BOB JAMES: PIANO CONCERTO: an appreciation by director Jack O’Brien
Bob James, the celebrated Grammy winning jazz musician and pianist, started out very legit. I should know… I was there at the University of Michigan where we both studied in the late 50’s, and even shared a couple of student residences along the way. He studied seriously under Ross Lee Finney there, and was making quite a name for himself, but the jazz bug was within him. Soon he was winning the Collegiate Jazz Festival in 1961 under the auspices of a guy named Quincy Jones, and the fat was in the fire.
Working with Creed Taylor in the late 60’s, a series of remarkable albums soon followed. And his dangerous riffs on such classical pieces as “NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN’ caused more than a rippling effect.
In subsequent years, and over a stretch of time and artists, he began to take meticulous care of musicians like Sarah Vaughan, whom he accompanied for years, as well as Earl Klugh, Paul Simon, Dave Sanborn and others. All the while, he was steadily building one of the most recognizable and truly beloved niches in contemporary jazz, most notably FOURPLAY, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this calendar year.
All that time, below the surface, lay his formidable training and the feeling that in addition to cross-over jazz in all its ravishing components, he might have bigger fish to fry. Was there not a bigger canvas upon which he should paint? Could he dare? Should he?
And here it is: a world premiere concerto that pits classical modes against the astonishing vitality of jazz. A tradition that encompasses not only Gershwin, but Bernstein and Ravel as well. A necessary evolution in our exploration of just how rich and entertaining are seemingly rival modes of music, that might just well be opposite sides of the same beautiful coin.
The horrifying tsunami in Japan a few years ago elevated Bob’s sense of community, and he was called upon by his many fans there to help raise their crushed spirits. This is something he took very seriously, and which became a cause close to his heart. As a result, in this powerful work run parallel, pain and glory, suffering and laughter, conflict and hope, the stuff that makes magic out of loss, and gives proof to the fact that Bob James has much more to tell us…much more perhaps than we, or even he, could imagine. Embrace it!
Catch the debut at the 14th Tokyo Jazz Festival!
September 4 – 6, 2015
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Jazz Times: It’s Time for THE NEW COOL
Keyboardist Bob James and bassist Nathan East will release their first collabotrative outside of the group Fourplay album, The New Cool, Sept. 18 via Yamaha Entertainment Group. The recording, recorded in Nashville, was made using Yamaha gear exclusively. Produced by Chris Gero, the album consists of all-new original material and a few covers, including a version of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” sung by country star Vince Gill. East and James, along with drummer Harvey Mason and guitarist Chuck Loeb, will also release a new Fourplay album later this year.
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Bob James and Nathan East: The New Cool
Half of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay, with pianist Bob James and bassist Nathan East, have recorded an album together which is unusual. Yamaha Entertainment Group label president Chris Gero put the two in the studio and provided them with “state of the art” Yamaha material and gave them a free hand. “The more I played with Nathan over the course of many live performances and stress more than 25 years, the more in sync we were Whether or not we had the anchor of the drums,” said James, who won two Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the founders of smooth and contemporary jazz. “Something special happens when, we only have each other’s notes to play off of, When the music is totally exposed.” East added: ” The New Cool ‘project carries with it a special level of excitement for me as Bob and I have been courting the idea of this duo adventure for many years “. He spent last year his solo debut, after he Daft Punk’s Grammy Award-winning “Get Lucky” was played. “I’ve always loved the sound of the piano and bass together, and have enjoyed duo recordings by the greats: Eddie Gomez and Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden. ‘The New Cool “is our celebration of more than 25 years of friendship and musical camaraderie. This collaboration was embraced by Yamaha Entertainment Group and producer Chris Gero, who overtook it to yet another level. “Their new album comes only on September 18, and includes duets with jazz piano and bass. It was recorded entirely in Nashville, and includes traditional jazz, with original tracks and some covers. Improvised dances around piano bass lines, and “All Will Be Revealed ‘enters the Nashville Recording Orchestra at while East adds vocals. A little further on is Willie Nelson’s ‘Crazy’ retreaded, with vocals by Vince Gill. On ‘Canto Y La Danza “goes somewhat Brazilian direction, and a percussionist and a drummer play. And “Waltz for Judy ‘they are supported by strings. The complex ‘Turbulence’ exit. A remarkable album with acoustic jazz. Patrick Van de Wiele (3½)
A remarkable, yet unusual album with acoustic jazz from half the group Fourplay.
Tracks:
1. The New Cool
2. Oliver’s Bag
3. All Will Be Revealed
4. Midnight Magic/Love Me As Though There Were No Tomorrow
5. Crazy
6. How Deep Is The Ocean
7. Song and dance
8. Waltz For Judy
9. Seattle Sunrise
10. Ghost Of A Chance
11. Turbulence
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Blue Note NYC Host Bob James All Week!
Bob James is in the middle of a week long stretch at the legendary Blue Note in New York City, from August 4 – 9.
Here is Bob hanging with the incomparable Hiromi.
Be sure to catch the Legend himself at a legendary jazz spot…It’s sure to be…wait for it………LEGENDARY!
Check out the Blue Note NYC for more info about the shows, or visit our TOUR DATES page.
Bob James & Earl Klugh at the Chateau Ste. Michelle
Bob James recently got together with Earl Klugh, Chris Botti, and Morgan James at Chateau Ste. Michelle for their Summer Festival of Jazz.
The show took place on July 25, and was truly the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and the magic of jazz.
Check out Chateau Ste. Michelle for more info about their summer jazz series.
Behind the scenes with Bob & Nathan – “Turbulence”
Chuck Loeb reflects on Fourplay’s 25th anniversary album, SILVER
In general terms, an anniversary like 25 years, is a good occasion to assess where the band came from, where it’s at now, where it’s going in the future, and all the roads joining those three musical locations.
With this album we took the opportunity to share these in a musically with all the wonderful friends & fans that we have throughout the world. It’s inspiring to know that they’ve been on the same journey along with us.
As the newest member of the band (it’s my fifth year anniversary), I am able to understand why these particularly unique group of musicians have enjoyed such longevity, both from a distance as a fan, and as a member. When a sports team wins a championship, or has enduring success, people always talk of the ‘chemistry’ amongst the players. This is very much the same in music. Nathan, Bob, Harvey, and Lee had an immediate musical DNA, which evolved with Larry, and then with myself. It always amazes me when I bring in a song for the band to try, because as soon as we play it as a group, it takes on that unique ‘Fourplay sound’.
There’s also a shared mutual respect, and a very high level of fun when we get together to make music. This shows in the end result. It is hard for a member of the band to try to objectively assess the impact Fourplay might have on the history of jazz. However, in looking at it from the perspective I had as an early listener & fan, I would say that this group weaves sophistication, subtle complexity, and an impressive wealth of musical experience into a very popular musical format, as a true fusion of four musical perspectives.
Individually each member brings a unique musical résumé and ubiquitous credits that span literally every genre of music:
Harvey is a conservatory trained classical percussionist and composer. His earliest musical experiences took place in the buzzing hub of straight ahead jazz and early R&B in the Atlantic City/Philadelphia area where he grew up, playing with jazz legends each weekend, and later, after hours in Boston during his studies there. This eclectic background is immediately evident in Harvey’s drum parts and songs, combining the subtle and delicate touch of an orchestral percussionist, with the groove and swing that had made him such an integral part of a very long list of hit records.
Nathan is one of the most natural, gifted, and ‘organic’ musicians I have played with. But if I had to think of a a single adjective for Nate, it would be ‘intuitive’. Whether on stage or in the studio, there is an uncanny instant understanding and support coming from the bass, almost as though he knows where the soloist and the band are going. He lays down just the right notes and feel you want to hear, with a sound as big as a house. Like Harvey, there’s no surprise in the fact that artists and producers like Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones & David Foster look to Nate to bring that magic on stage, and in the studio. And of course Nate also brings that integral element of soulful and heartfelt vocals that are such an important part of Fourplay’s sound.
What can I say about Bob James that hasn’t been said? From a purely personal standpoint, Bob James has been an inspiration for me for a long time. He is one of what I would call “renaissance musicians”, meaning that he is able to excel in almost every area of music (he’s not my favorite vocalist;-). Improvising, interpreting, composing, accompaniment, arranging, and producing, he even spent time as a record company executive. On top of that he is one of the most generous musicians I’ve worked with, always willing to help find the best possible interpretation of the music that we bring in, and very giving of his ideas and input.
There are many reasons why working with these three great musicians is so fulfilling. From amazing musicianship and having three incredible producers at your disposal, to collaborating in a truly democratic musical environment where everyone’s input is welcome, the bar is set at the highest production values. Oh, and most of all, it’s just so much fun! From day one they consistently urged me to be my musical self, and not try to fill anyone’s expected role.
The central idea behind SILVER was to create a new set of songs and performances based on the history and trajectory of the band since its start, with the emphasis on taking the purest elements of the bands discography: great tunes, performances, pristine production, and that Fourplay vibe – romantic, elegant and a deep groove. The other aspect is that we returned to the studio where the very first tracks were cut 25 years ago, Sunset Sound in Hollywood, and combined the engineering forces of Don Murray, who recorded and mixed the very first CD and Ken Freeman who has done many of Fourplay’s recent albums.
It’s not a retrospective, but again, a look at where we came from and where we are going as a band. I think the music speaks for itself, and the musical journey of Fourplay.
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Fourplay releases 25th Anniversary Album, ‘SILVER’
FOURPLAY CELEBRATES THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THEIR MOST WIDE-RANGING AND GRATIFYING RECORDING TO DATE
Silver set for release November 20, 2015
Longevity among jazz groups is a surprisingly rare commodity. With relatively few exceptions, a run of a few years, at most, is standard; for a collective of jazz musicians to stick together for a decade or more is almost unheard of. That puts Fourplay, who celebrates their 25th anniversary this year, in a league of their own. Since 1990, bassist Nathan East, keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Chuck Loeb (who joined five years ago) and drummer Harvey Mason have continued to explore together, their efforts resulting in what All Music Guide called one of “the most intuitive, forward-thinking and focused groups in modern jazz.”
On Silver, set for release November 20, 2015 on Heads Up, a division of Concord Music Group, Fourplay celebrates that unprecedented bond with their most wide-ranging and gratifying recording to date. Following the theme of the occasion, most of the 10 new original compositions comprising Silver play off of the anniversary, bearing titles such as “Sterling,” “Precious Metal” and “A Silver Lining.” Just like its namesake, Silver shines, each track a brilliant example of what has made this formidable ensemble—each of whom also has a highly successful career outside of the band—one of the most respected in the jazz world.
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Bob James plays the Blue Note NYC
Bob James, a stylistically broad keyboardist and composer who helped lay the groundwork for smooth jazz, teamed up with a regular partner, the bassist Nathan East, for “The New Cool,” a duo album coming in the fall. For this week long run, Mr. James leads a touring band with Perry Hughes on guitar, Carlitos del Puerto on bass, and Clarence Penn on drums.
8:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Blue Note
131 West Third Street
Greenwich Village
212-475-8592
bluenote.net