Bob James : The Swan :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James - The Swan
Released 1984

1. Swan, The
2. La Delaissado
3. Prospero
4. Water Music
5. Ensenada Madness
6. Quietly Crazy For You

"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

"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