"Bob James never ceases to amaze me. When I first met him he was sitting in front of a piano not looking at all like a pianist, so I didn't expect very much from him. Especially since he was about to accompany one of the greatest singers of our time, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, but when his hands touched that piano his brilliance became clearly evident. His musicianship reflected both his jazz and classical experience. He enhanced her performances beautifully. I later found him to be an incredible arranger who had a flair for pop music mixed with jazz and R&B. His recordings as a stable mate on CTI Records reflected a very listenable modern approach to jazz. As a producer he has created records that started a trend that transcends its time. As a member of the group Fourplay, Bob has once again shown his unlimited ability to
adapt to any musical environment.

It is an honour to recognize Bob James as the first recipient of the George
Benson Lifetime Achievement Award." - George Benson

" To me Bob James has been and will always be an innovator. He has inspired many keyboard players and other musical instrumentalists. I feel that his music is contemporary, mainstream and fusion all rolled up in one. He has taken jazz and taken it to another level, which we all are trying to get to.
Bob James is one of my favorite artist's and I am so happy that he is
receiving this award because I know he really has earned it and I am
one that hopes that one day I also may be the inspiration to other
musicians as he has been to me and many other like me. Keep the
music playing Bob!"
- Nick Colionne		 "Bob is truly the pioneering voice in the world of Smooth Jazz piano playing. His thoughtful compositions and production values paved the way for virtually every contemporary Smooth Jazz keyboardist." - Tom Grant "Although I can't brag that I personally know Bob, we have played together many years ago on a stage in San Diego. Of course Bob was the star then, I was merely trying to keep up, and a little self conscious that I was sharing the same stage at all! I grew up musically on Bob James to be honest. Well hey, didn't we all? I would pour over those groovy New York albums with Bob, Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Eric Gale; those guys set the tone for us a generation later. Bob is sheer 'taste' - the consummate pianist. A legend. Congratulations Bob!"- Chris Standring
"Bob James influenced all of us with his sense of harmony and feel. As a kid, the record he made with David Sanborn, "Double Vision", changed my life!" - Mindi Abair
"Bob James is one of the best musicians and bandleaders I know; a great player, and more importantly, a great human being. I'm proud to have worked with him." - Hiram Bullock

Listen to Earl Klugh talk about Bob James
"To try and sum up in few words all the things I've learned from my mentor and friend Bob James isn't possible. I would need a few pages each to speak of Bob James the prolific composer, virtuoso jazz and classical pianist, arranger, band-leader, showman, record company visionary, accompanist, student of jazz, teacher of jazz, talent scout and champion of young talent. But it is this last role that has impacted me most profoundly, as it was he who single-handedly ushered me into a now 25 year solo career in the music business. He "discovered" me! There are lots of chapters in between! But I still consider making the CD KIRK WHALUM/BOB JAMES JOINED AT THE HIP as a defining moment in my life and career - collaboration on equal footing between student and teacher, between budding young artist and mentor. I still learn from Bob each time I hear one of his new recordings or perform with him onstage or in the studio. The cool thing is that he's still learning too - a sign of true greatness!" - Kirk Whalum "Bob James has always been synonymous, for me, of the quintessential musician, able to tackle different styles of music and wear different hats. A true Renaissance Keyboardist! As a young teenager growing up in France, I first took notice of Bob's name by figuring out that those cool sounds on Quincy's "Body Heat" and the super cool arrangements and Rhodes part of "Crazy After All These Years" were coming from the same guy. After I moved to Boston to attend Berklee, I discovered the solo album, the collaboration projects with Sanborn, the ubiquitous Taxi theme and then, thrown in for good measure and push the envelope even further, a record of Couperin's music. And if that was not close enough to home for me, he discovered Kirk Whalum for whom we share the deepest respect and affection. Come to think of it, since home for me is now Westchester, do you think he had a part in that too?" - Philippe Saisse
"I met Bob at a jazz festival in San Diego several years ago. He seemed to be a genuinely nice, humble person. His work has been a great influence on my career, and I've enjoyed his music for a number of years. From early albums like 'Touchdown' to his current projects with Fourplay, Bob has been a major part of my listening repertoire." - Joe McBride
"I've been a Bob James fan since the 1970's, when I first became aware of him. In recent years on many occasions I have had the distinct pleasure of sharing the bill with Fourplay, and have never stopped marveling at his prowess. His "Angela", the theme from Taxi, will always bring a smile to my face. Great theme! Great show! Congratulations, Bob, on your well deserved recognition."
- Bobby Caldwell 		"I believe that what and how a person truly is inside as a man comes out in his music as well as his personal demeanor and relationships. Bob James is the consummate Gentleman and a "pro" of the highest caliber! He is an artist on the highest level as he is a businessman of integrity and class. His gorgeous music, so melodic with emotion and always contemporary with the best of taste, inspires, soothes and is exhilarating. Taste and class are his middle names. His choice of supportive musicians always is exemplary as he helped to expose so many musicians to either start or elevate their careers. Where many "musicians" and "artists" can be extremely "difficult" etc. to get along and interact with, Bob was and is always "the gentleman". A gentleman. You always feel that he is "in your corner" to "be" with you and bring out the best in you. He is a "quiet innovator" as he has always been at the forefront of creating new ways to expose his and others music. Long before the "Yanni's" and "John Tesh's" etc he was a leader presenting and featuring exciting talent.
His remarkable consistency for decades is an insight into his stability, discipline and healthy attitude's. A great pianist, composer, arranger, producer, businessman, band leader and sideman create the humble graceful star he is."
- John Klemmer 2006
"Bob James made an indelible impression on me first with his incredible work on the CTI Label, his own solo records and also his arrangements for other artists. A Bob James record always had plenty of room in the track for each instrument and his work always showed a wonderful flair for melody and thematic development. He excels in so many different areas as an orchestral arranger or in a small ensemble, not to mention his completely unique sound as a pianist and soloist. He was also a pioneer in the use of synthesizers in jazz as well as pushing the envelope sonically. His records always sound amazing. Here's to a great songwriter, innovator and most of all to me, an inspiration."
- Jeff Lorber
 "Bob James was a part of my early listening as I grew up with his early music constantly being played in the house by my parents. Bob James's albums '1' to '4' with their infectious grooves and fantastic use of all the instruments I love, like Rhodes, clav and wah wah guitar opened my ears to a sound that I have loved ever since. Constantly seeking out the retro style of that era that unfortunately has lost its way in today's sound, Bob James was an inspiration to many musicians and still is today with his songs like 'Tappan Zee', 'Nautilus' and' Take Me To The Mardi Gras' being used by many rap artists, allowing a younger generation to experience what was his unique style and sound. His early sound was very experimental and imaginative and it is great to know he is being honored with this award. Nice one Bob!" - Stuart Wade of Down to the Bone

"Bob James is one of the reasons why I started playing more piano and composing Smooth Jazz songs. Bob James has always been a big influence. Bob has a knack for great melodies and grooves. I've been a big fan since the late seventies. I still listen to the captivating vinyl recording of "One on One" with Bob James and Earl Klugh, and other great recordings with Bob and David Sanborn and with Grover Washington. I also love Bob's current CDs with his super group FOURPLAY."
- Alphonse Mouzo
"Bob James has a special place in my heart because I can honestly say that it was Bob who would have the most influence on me finding my voice in contemporary jazz. Bob was one of the pioneer contemporary musicians during the 70's & 80's that I listened to. His approach to his music obviously had
classical and traditional jazz overtones. I had the fortune of one fateful night in Grand Central Station to meet a producer and colleague of Bob's, Jay Chattaway, who invited me to come to their studio and record. At that time, I was strictly an avant-garde player! My association with Bob has been a rewarding and inspirational one!" - Marion Meadows
 "I've been a fan of Bob's music for many years. I love his mix of jazz and funk, and his choice of musicians around him. He always has a "vibe" in his music, which makes it music I want to listen to over and over. A well deserved award. Congratulations Mr. James." - David Garibaldi - Tower of Power
 		"He is a gracious, melodic and harmonic genius whose concept of space reminds me of the eloquence of Count Basie.
I am presently in the midst of creating a space devoted to the sound of 9.6" ft. concert grand piano and Bob's "Grand Piano Canyon" remains as one of the earliest inspirations for my doing this. "
- Freddie Ravel
"Bob James is one of the best musicians and bandleaders I know; a great player, and more importantly, a great human being. I'm proud to have worked with him." - Hiram Bullock
"Bob, you have been a great inspiration for me over the years, I admire all the work you have done with Fourplay and with some of my favorite guitarists like Carlton, Ritenour and Klugh. Please continue on creating that "smooth sound." Congratulations!"
- Robert Michaels
"My first exposure to Bob James came in the late 70's as a teenager in NY. I was very familiar with his work with Grover, Earl Klugh and others during that era. I had the pleasure of opening for Bob on a U.S. Tour in 1988. For me, this was a great
honour. Here was a man who along with a handful of others helped to change the culture of Jazz, as we knew it back then. I
remember at the end of the tour, Bob simply sent a note back stage on a small piece of paper thanking me for participating
on that tour. Over the last 30 or more years Bob has been a major influence in the Smooth Jazz industry as a performer,
producer, and record executive extending opportunities to many of our great Smooth Jazz artists. I sincerely congratulate
him for being recognized by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards." - Najee
 		"I first was exposed to the music of Bob James when we use to spin some of
his stuff during the night show on Fanshawe College's 6XFM in the late 80's.
I was boppin' my head to every little beat especially to the award winning
Bob James/David Sanborn album. It was a real treat to see him perform years
later at the 2001 National Smooth Jazz Awards with Keiko Matsui in Chicago.
Looking forward to hearing his new album this year and at the 2006 Canadian
Smooth Jazz Awards. Congrats Bob!"
- Gary James Assistant Program Director/ "Smooth Ride Home" Weekdays 3-7pm EST Smooth Jazz Wave 94.7 FM
"The subtleties that made Bob James the commercial success he was in the late 70's through the late 80's were in stark contrast to the less than compliant performer he chose to be when he performed live. I will never forget being totally blown away by the phenomenal musicianship and skill he showed during some of his live performances, which clearly demonstrated that the commercialism he exuded on recordings, was a conscious choice of restraint, maturity in playing, and music business savvy. Kudos Mr. James!"
- Everette Harp
"As a sax player, I was listening to a lot of David Sanborn at one point of my life. I discovered Bob James on that co leaded album they made together called "Double Vision." Of course, Bob James playing, sounds and arrangements was a big influence to me. It's after that I discovered he was not only a keyboard player on that specific album but was actually a major influence on the smooth jazz scene."
- Francois D'Amours		 "I First heard Bob on a Kenny Loggins album that he produced and performed on and I was hooked instantly, and from there I went out and bought everything that he was involved in. Bob is such an amazing composer, producer, pianist; he is in a class all by himself. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. Congratulations for your Lifetime Achievement Award."
- Steve Oliver
"Bob is a true testament to what it means to be a success in the music biz: to be artistically true to oneself and be able to share one's music with a wide audience. You are inspiring Bob. Thank you."
- Daniela Nardi
"Bob James is an enigma, at once the granddaddy and the young buck of the Smooth Jazz revolution. His ability to constantly reinvent himself has kept him on the cutting edge and in the forefront of the industry for decades. He has been so ubiquitous for so many years that one might take him for granted, overlooked for the 'next big thing', but once you get a chance to play with him, it dispels any notion of cobwebs, reruns, or being out of the game. The consummate master!" - Gabriel Mark Hasselbach As some people may know I am from the Caribbean Grenada to be exact and I remember, getting turned on to Bob James's music in the late seventies. When a friend of mine relocated from the United States back to Grenada, and loaned me one of his records. I was so hooked on Bob James that I would sneak out of Baird in the middle of the night put on my headphones turn on the stereo I listen to Bob James and everything that he did and pray to God that I do not get caught listening to Bob James at 2 a.m. in the morning. As a youngster, I was fascinated with all his arrangements at all the different artists that he worked with. I remember getting the records and looking at the photographs of the musicians in the studio working with him and dreaming someday that could be me. Bob James was a major influence in my development as a musician and arranger/producer. In closing I would like to say how happy I am that were able to on the Bob James for a job well done.
- Eddie Bullen
     

 
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Bob James
Tribute Links
 
"I've listened to and admired Bob's "sound" for years. That "sound" has always left an indelible fingerprint on anything he's played on. Talk about a "crime scene", there are never any smudges. Just the clear cut evidence that he's played on the track. I first worked with Bob on an album by Japanese singer Miwa Yoshida. She's part of a pop group, Dreams Come True, that is huge in Japan and I've been her arranger/trumpet player for 12 years. Her latest jazz album has a who's who of session players from L.A and New York. The New York band consisted of Bob, Will Lee, Omar Hakim and David Spinozza. Randy and Michael Brecker, plus
yours truly rounded it out as the horn section. Talk about a killer band.... Bob's prints were all over the place on this one! Hard CD to find outside Japan, but worth the search! Congratulations Bob! You're the best!
- Greg Adams
"I can't think of a more deserving reciept of the "George Benson Lifetime Achivement Award" than Bob James. He was a great trendestter in the 1970's
with CTI records and he's still the best. Congratulations Bob and we'll see you on April the 7th. - Bob Farrow Host-The Smooth Jazz Breakfast Wave 94.7fm Hamilton-Toronto
"Bob James has introduced me to new sounds in music. I've always appreciated his gentle sense of melody and his endless search to come up with a new voice for the keys. When I'm frustrated with the generic feel of some of the Smooth Jazz music coming out these days I usually turn to Bob's CD's - new or old it's all good. The fact that he's a real good man doesn't hurt either." - John Beaudin - Co-chair of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards / President of Smooth Jazz Now.com and Program Director of California 103 in Calgary, Alberta.
"Bob James embodies the exact type of musician I have always, and will continue to strive to be. He does it all : he plays, composes, arranges, produces, improvises, and does it all in a way that, while always staying creative and fresh, still connects with the hearts of every segment of the listening audience, whether they be sophisticated musicians or just lovers of good music. AND - on top of all that he is the most user friendly, down to earth, cool dude you'd ever want to be on the road with. Bob - you may be the recipient of a lifetime achievement award - but you got a lot of achieving left to do! Love ya" - Chuck Loeb
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    
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