{"title":"Bob James","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBob James is an American keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer and music arranger. Born on December 25, 1939 in Marshall, Missouri, he has made significant contributions to the world of music. With a career spanning several decades, Bob James has established himself as a versatile artist with his unique blend of jazz, funk and fusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKnown for his exceptional talent on the keyboard and his smooth vocals, Bob James has collaborated with numerous renowned artists such as *Joe Sample*, *David Benoit*, *David Sanborn* and many more. His distinctive style can be heard in hits like \"Angela\" and \"Westchester Lady,\" which have become timeless classics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a father of singer\/songwriter [a808145], Bob James' musical influence extends beyond his own achievements. His innovative compositions and arrangements continue to inspire aspiring musicians around the world. With a discography that includes over 30 albums, Bob James remains an influential figure in contemporary jazz and continues to captivate audiences with his soulful melodies.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"one-1","title":"One","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst released in 1964, \u003cem\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e is the second solo album by jazz keyboardist \u003cstrong\u003eBob James\u003c\/strong\u003e. Bob enlisted a string of experienced Jazz players including Steve Gadd and Idris Muhammad on drums, Grover Washington on Sax, and Gary King on bass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLed by the maestro himself on keyboards, \u003cem\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e is a lush, experimental Jazz Funk record, excitingly hovering at the forefront of where music can take your soul. Produced by Creed Taylor and recorded at the famous Van Gelder Studios, the record is a monument of progressive musical greatness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was an important album in the early smooth jazz genre and is famous for its end track, \"Nautilus,\" which became important to hip-hop as one of the most sampled tracks in American music. In the 46 years since the release of \u003cem\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e, producers have interpolated or sampled \"Nautilus\" over 350 times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a brilliantly written and performed genre-defying set of superb tracks. \"In The Garden\" and \"Night on Bald Mountain\" are wonderful adaptations of two very different pieces of classical music - totally engaging for anyone who appreciates complex arrangements made funky and jazzy and played with consummate musicianship. \"Soulero\" is a wonderful bolero-style piece, building layers of beautiful tones and rhythms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BGP","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50387899285835,"sku":"1126233","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Gold","offer_id":50387899515211,"sku":"1126232","price":33.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50387901022539,"sku":"1126234","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57170355257675,"sku":"R2774-0191","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/unnamed_1995fd22-a62e-41d6-8166-03d699b4cdfb.jpg?v=1777622121"},{"product_id":"jazz-hands","title":"Jazz Hands","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob James\u003c\/strong\u003e' \u003cem\u003eJazz Hands\u003c\/em\u003e is his third outing for evosound, following in the wake of 2018's \u003cem\u003eEspresso\u003c\/em\u003e and 2022's \u003cem\u003eFeel Like Makin' LIVE\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduced by the pianist with his manager Sonny Abelardo, the ten-track album was mostly recorded during the months of the Covid pandemic and featured James in a number of different musical settings. It also features a stellar cameo from the ex-Gnarls Barkley singer \u003cstrong\u003eCeeLo Green\u003c\/strong\u003e on the sensuous title track and includes production input from the legendary hip-hop turntablist \u003cstrong\u003eDJ Jazzy Jeff\u003c\/strong\u003e, who rose to fame as half of the hit-making '80s\/'90s rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff \u0026amp; the Fresh Prince, early samplers of James' music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlending cool jazz tropes with funky dance floor grooves, blues-tinged ballads, cinematic mood pieces, and sensuous slow jams, \u003cem\u003eJazz Hands\u003c\/em\u003e is the Missouri pianist's most eclectic album of his long career. Simultaneously classic and contemporary, it's Bob James at his majestic, ground-breaking, and timeless best.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evo Sound","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50393955336523,"sku":"2051455","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Blue LP","offer_id":50393955074379,"sku":"2051453","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50393954910539,"sku":"2051456","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50393955205451,"sku":"2051454","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/4895241425073_eb8f5871_thumbnail_4096.webp?v=1726429642"},{"product_id":"two-black-friday-2023","title":"Two - Black Friday 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis product is a Black Friday Record Store Day title and not available to pre-order. Available to buy in-store and online from 8am on 25\/11\/2023 (Black Friday Record Store Day).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t forget: Click 'Notify Me' to be the first to know about its availability online. It also helps us to place accurate orders so that we can please as many of you as possible on the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a limited-numbered RSD edition of 500 copies on 180-gram gold-coloured vinyl. \u003cem\u003eTwo\u003c\/em\u003e, a defining musical landmark in \u003cstrong\u003eBob James\u003c\/strong\u003e’ career and his second solo album for producer Creed Taylor’s CTI label, debuted in 1975 and charted at No. 28 in the Top R\u0026amp;B\/Hip Hop Albums and No. 75 on The Billboard 200.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe album contains the iconic “Take Me To The Mardi Gras,” one of hip-hop’s most recognizable breakbeats, sampled over 400 times. The album also features a dynamic jazz-meets-classical music mash-up (“Farandole”), a tasteful soul music cover (“You’re As Right As Rain”), and memorable cinematic pieces (“Golden Apple” and “Dream Journey”). Includes double-sided insert with new liner notes and a high-quality reproduction print of the cover.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evosound","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50394999521611,"sku":"2062846","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/download_514d5f85_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726452779"},{"product_id":"that-bop-shamboozie","title":"That Bop \/ Shamboozie","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the unexpected paths James takes on his new album, \u003ci\u003eJazz Hands\u003c\/i\u003e, that might surprise a few of his older fans is his collaboration with the legendary hip-hop turntablist and producer DJ Jazzy Jeff.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Best remembered for his partnership with the rapper Will Smith in the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, the duo won the first rap Grammy as well as scoring some big pop hits back in the day, including their 1987 smash, \"A Touch Of Jazz,\" which famously sampled Bob James' classic track \"Westchester Lady.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e In a full circle moment, James and Jeff have joined forces on the tune \"That Bop,\" a thumping dance track overlain with elegant piano hooks. \"It was fun to work with him so many years after he had sampled me in the past,\" says James, who reveals they collaborated by sharing music files across the internet during the pandemic. \"We also did a couple of other tunes that may see the light of day soon,\" discloses James, who is keen to work with the hip-hop legend again. \"I hope the next time we'll actually be in the studio at the same time so that we can interact,\" he says. The B-side features Bob James' original jazz-funk classic and DJ favourite, \"Shamboozie\", available for the first time on 7\" vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evo Sound","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50397835002187,"sku":"2053803","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/4895241425899_0405fc37_thumbnail_4096.webp?v=1726492004"},{"product_id":"hanging-in","title":"Hanging In","description":"\u003cp\u003eFabulous double-sider combining deep funk and lowrider soul on one 45! Be quick, limited pressing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tramp Records","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50421867446603,"sku":"2223055","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_1fa641e8_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726761125"},{"product_id":"espresso","title":"Espresso","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob James\u003c\/strong\u003e, Grammy Award-winning Jazz keyboardist, arranger, record producer, record executive, and founding member of Fourplay, returns with a new album, \u003cem\u003eEspresso\u003c\/em\u003e, his first solo-led project in 12 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlbum tunes, penned by James, reflect the same inventiveness and musical fluency that persuaded Quincy Joines to become his mentor and champion back in 1963. His expressiveness through both writing and performance permeates the rocking minor-key blues of \"\u003cem\u003eBulgogi\u003c\/em\u003e,\" the definitive cool jazz of \"\u003cem\u003eTopside\u003c\/em\u003e,\" the funk strut of \"\u003cem\u003eSubmarine\u003c\/em\u003e,\" the whispered beauty of \"\u003cem\u003ePromenade\u003c\/em\u003e,\" the turbulent, more complex yet supremely listenable \"\u003cem\u003eMojito Ride\u003c\/em\u003e,\" and every other moment on \u003cem\u003eEspresso\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBob James Trio\u003c\/strong\u003e is complete with drummer Billy Kilson and bassist Michael Palazzolo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50438477906251,"sku":"1044284","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50438478299467,"sku":"1044285","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/502007ea-cf26-42a0-91ea-15abe1014ce9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726943536"},{"product_id":"double-vision","title":"Double Vision","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDouble Vision\u003c\/strong\u003e is the award-winning platinum-selling album by legendary saxophonist David Sanborn and jazz pianist Bob James released in 1986. The phenomenal contemporary jazz classic saw them win a Grammy Award for \u003cem\u003eBest Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminal album features a phenomenal line-up of musicians, including Marcus Miller (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Paul Jackson Jr. (guitar), Al Jarreau (vocals), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion) and Eric Gale (guitars), with the masterful production by Tommy LiPuma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest hit from the album, \"\u003cem\u003eMaputo\u003c\/em\u003e\", is widely-regarded as a contemporary jazz standard and has accumulated over 20 million views and streams. Available on 180g transparent red vinyl with high-dynamic mastering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evosound","offers":[{"title":"Red LP","offer_id":50446010679627,"sku":"2203617","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50778328629579,"sku":"2231723","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Double_Vision_0c91df9d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727051519"},{"product_id":"feel-like-making-live","title":"Feel Like Making Live!","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the eyes of the rap generation, an older musician's hipness is often defined by how many times he or she has been sampled for beats and breaks. That means that keyboard wizard Bob James - whose records have been sampled a staggering 1435 times, according to the website whosampled.com - is a bona-fide legend and cooler than cool. Although he's just celebrated another birthday, Bob James is not about to close the piano lid for the last time and embrace retirement. Alongside the same trio (bassist Michael Palazzolo and drummer Billy Kilson) that made 2018's critically-acclaimed \u003ci\u003eEspresso\u003c\/i\u003e album, \u003ci\u003eFeel Like Making Live!\u003c\/i\u003e captures James performing a career-spanning selection of material live in the studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eFeel Like Making Live!\u003c\/i\u003e includes James's most well known hits like 'Angela', 'Maputo', 'Westchester Lady' and 'Nautilus' - as well as an instrumental cover of Elton John's 'Rocket Man'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evo Sound","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50459305410891,"sku":"1135441","price":54.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2c5594aa-0ff5-4afc-bfc2-ec41b9edf29c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727219738"},{"product_id":"two-25","title":"Two","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis product is a \u003cem\u003eBlack Friday Record Store Day\u003c\/em\u003e title and not available to pre-order. Available to buy in-store and online from 8am on 25\/11\/2023 (Black Friday Record Store Day).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t forget: Click 'Notify Me' to be the first to know about its availability online. It also helps us to place accurate orders so that we can please as many of you as possible on the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTwo\u003c\/em\u003e, a defining musical landmark in \u003cstrong\u003eBob James\u003c\/strong\u003e' career and his second solo album for producer Creed Taylor's CTI label, debuted in 1975 and charted at No. 28 in the Top R\u0026amp;B\/Hip Hop Albums and No. 75 on The Billboard 200.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe album contains the iconic \"\u003cem\u003eTake Me To The Mardi Gras\u003c\/em\u003e\", one of hip-hop's most recognizable breakbeats, sampled over 400 times. The album also features a dynamic jazz-meets-classical music mash-up (\"\u003cem\u003eFarandole\u003c\/em\u003e\"), a tasteful soul music cover (\"\u003cem\u003eYou're As Right As Rain\u003c\/em\u003e\"), and memorable cinematic pieces (\"\u003cem\u003eGolden Apple\u003c\/em\u003e\" and \"\u003cem\u003eDream Journey\u003c\/em\u003e\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere is also the notable inclusion of a bonus track (\"\u003cem\u003eHere Let My Life\u003c\/em\u003e\"), which was previously only released in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Evosound","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50489998704971,"sku":"2016909","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_60402865_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727648589"},{"product_id":"once-upon-a-time-the-lost-1965-new-york-studio-sessions","title":"Once Upon A Time: The Lost 1965 New York Studio Sessions","description":"\u003cp\u003ePreviously-unissued release of studio recordings from pianist Bob James captured with no audience at Wollman Auditorium in New York City in 1965 by Resonance founder and co-president George Klabin. This limited-edition 180 Gram LP features James in two different trio settings - one from January 20, 1965 with bassist Larry Rockwell and drummer Bob Pozar, and one from October 9, 1965 with bassist Bill Wood and drummer Omar Clay - performing a mix of jazz standards and original compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe title track \u003ci\u003eOnce Upon A Time\u003c\/i\u003e was named by James as an homage to the Once Festival of New Music in Ann Arbor, MI which ran from 1961-1966 and holds a special place in his early musical career.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe deluxe gatefold set includes an extensive booklet with essays by jazz writer Mark Stryker (Jazz from Detroit) and engineer George Klabin; a new interview with Bob James by Zev Feldman, and 2011 interview with Bob Pozar by Hank Shteamer (Rolling Stone); plus rare archival photographs. Mastered by Bernie Grundman, cut at 33 1\/3 RPM and pressed by RTI.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Resonance","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50498775449931,"sku":"1100083","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50498776301899,"sku":"1089633","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0e6ca118-eb01-4508-aba2-39e2214ccc92_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727757094"},{"product_id":"one","title":"One","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e is a jazz fusion album by Bob James, released in 1974. It's the first album in a numbered series that helped define the smooth jazz and jazz-funk genres. Known for its lush arrangements, electric piano textures, and polished production, One blends jazz, funk, classical, and pop influences. The album features standout tracks like \"Nautilus\", which became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history, used by artists like Nas, Ghostface Killah, and A Tribe Called Quest. With its laid-back grooves, orchestrated strings, and tight rhythm section, One marked a turning point in jazz, bridging traditional jazz musicianship with contemporary production and crossover appeal. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Endless Happiness","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53114307248459,"sku":"R6233-5929","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5060672888509.jpg?v=1754403242"},{"product_id":"bj4","title":"BJ4","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eBJ4\u003c\/em\u003e is a pivotal album in the development of jazz-funk and early smooth jazz, marking a more confident and groove-oriented phase in Bob James’s career. Released in 1977, the album balances sophisticated jazz harmony with funk rhythms, helping to define the sound that would later become widely influential in jazz-fusion and crossover jazz. Compared to his earlier, more experimental or orchestral works, BJ4 places a stronger emphasis on electric keyboards, steady bass lines, and laid-back funk grooves. Overall, \u003cem\u003eBJ4\u003c\/em\u003e represents Bob James’s transition from jazz pianist and arranger to a key architect of accessible, groove-based jazz, influencing generations of musicians in jazz, funk, and hip-hop sampling culture. This is the first vinyl edition of this album since 1987.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Klimt","offers":[{"title":"LP - Cyan Opaque","offer_id":56410741375307,"sku":"R2615-9088","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0889397884833.jpg?v=1769620750"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/bob-james.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}