"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 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