Bob James : Obesssion :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - Obsession
Released 1986

1. Obsession
2. Gone Hollywood
3. Three A. M.
4. Rousseau
5. Rain
6. Steady
7. Feel The Fire

Listen to Earl Klugh talk about Bob James

As usual, Bob James is joined by an all-star cast on this 1986 release. Steve Khan, Marcus Miller, Randy and Michael Brecker, saxophonists Andy Snitzer and Kirk Whalum, Jon Faddis, and vocalist Lisa Fischer all lend their talents to this R&B flavored recording. The seven tracks blend smoothly together, delivering something approaching the more packaged and produced '90s Bob James sound. In spite of James' obvious change in style, composition and production on much of OBSESSION, he still delivers a unique fusion jam on several cuts, including the title track. "Steady" features a fine saxophone solo by Kirk Whalum, and there's also an appropriately-titled late night jam, "3 A.M." Such tunes as the sound effect-based "Rain," and the Lisa Fischer vocal "Gone Hollywood," provide further evidence of James' progression away from his '70s incarnation.

"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 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

"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