The summer of 2007 is finally here – time for sun, rest & family. Judy & I have just had our granddaughter, Ava, here for two weeks – it’s been great, a little challenging to keep a 5-˝ year old entertained – I even put together a swing set, which, believe me, was a lot harder than composing ‘Swing Set’ with Chuck Loeb.
Those of you who have been keeping up with our site know that this spring saw two long time dreams of mine realized. The Angels of Shanghai came to the U.S. to perform on tour AND Earl Klugh & I were finally reunited in concert for the first of what we hope will be many more performances to come.
We showed the Angels of Shanghai a great time – starting in my hometown of Traverse City, Michigan where friends & family made the group feel very welcome. That concert got the tour off to an impressive start. We continued across Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania ending up in New York, traveling by bus. It was a wonderful experience for me. I was able to show off these young, talented, remarkable musicians to my fans and audiences at the same time showing off America to the Angels! We met so many fans along the way – many who had been following my adventure with this project from the very beginning. I know we made new fans and met new friends along the way. It was great to be in New York, we took the Angels to the ‘Top of the Rock’ to give them the full tourist experience. Koch Records was very generous in welcoming the Angels and promoting the U.S. release of the CD. One huge highlight for the group was seeing the featured display for their CD at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square.
Earl and I have been talking about playing together again for many years. We were finally afforded the opportunity at the end of May in Harrisburg at a very unique venue, Whitaker Center. We warmed up there with a terrific show – our band features Al Turner, bass; Ron Otis, drums; Perry Hughes, guitar; Al Duncan, keyboard & trumpet and David McMurray on sax. On June 2nd we played the 15th Anniversary Capital Jazz Festival – a very hot day, a very hot show and a very hot audience! We had a great time, this is a terrific Festival – so well organized - a pleasure to play. It was wonderful to perform again with Earl – as if we had just worked together last week. We are looking forward to many more dates – watch this space.
I have one new and challenging performance coming up. I will play at the Westport Town Hall, July 13th, with an extraordinary young classical pianist, Frederic Chiu. We will do a couple of four-hand pieces and perhaps a solo piece or two. And, yes, I am rehearsing plenty – getting to Town Hall is like getting to Carnegie Hall - practice, practice, practice.
Next up will be September in Japan at the Blue Notes and Tokyo Jazz Festival.
More details to follow as we get closer to the dates. Also, keep an eye out for Fourplay news soon.
Have a great summer – go out for some great music – I’m taking it easy but I’ve got a lot friends out there on the road – Earl Klugh, Chuck Loeb, Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum – support live jazz!
See you in September!
Bob James
Traverse City
1 July 2007