Bob James : The Genie :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - The Genie
Released 1983

1. Brooklyn Heights Boogie
2. Genie, The
3. Last Chance
4. Ballade
5. Groove For Julie
6. Hello Nardo
7. Marilu, The
8. New York Mellow
9. Night Moods
10. Angela (Theme From "Taxi")

All tracks have been digitally remastered. On THE GENIE, Bob James features his great compositions that were used as incidental and theme music for the long-running television series, TAXI. James is joined here by a tremendous cast of musicians. In addition to "Angela," TAXI's mellow and very recognizable main theme and also a highlight of James' TOUCHDOWN, James and his comrades jam on several great tracks. Since so many of the tunes were only used as snippets on the television series, only the most diehard TAXI fans would recognize them from the show. Familiar or not, however, these cuts carry with them the feeling of background music, as opposed to being a typical James recording. Most noteworthy are "Brooklyn Heights Boogie," "The Genie" and "Groove for Julie." Perfect driving music

"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 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