Bob James : BJ4 :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - BJ4
Released 1977

1. Pure Imagination
2. Where The Wind Blows Free
3. Tappan Zee
4. Nights Are Forever Without You
5. Treasure Island
6. El Verano

Personnel includes: Bob James (piano); Art Farmer (trumpet); Eddie Daniels (clarinet); Eric Gale (guitar); Steve Gadd (drums). All tracks have been digitally remastered. BJ4 is the fourth of Bob James' impressive albums. Produced and polished by Creed Taylor, James features his usual 1970's cast of musicians, including Steve Gadd, Hubert Laws, Eddie Daniels, guitarist Eric Gale and percussionist Ralph MacDonald. Each of the six tracks spotlights one of the stellar musicians, whether it be Hubert Laws' flute on "Where the Wind Blows Free," Eric Gale's impressive guitar solo on "Treasure Island," or James' fancy finger work on "Tappan Zee." The opening cut, "Pure Imagination" sets the relaxed mood for the album--a recording that delivers what fans have come to expect from the pianist/composer/arranger. BJ4 is a true jazz fusion classic

"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 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