Early Years (1962-1973)
Bob James started his musical career as a child prodigy, playing piano at the age of four and winning several competitions. He studied music at the University of Michigan and Berklee College of Music, where he met Quincy Jones, who became his mentor and producer. He moved to New York in 1962 and started working as a session musician and arranger for various artists, such as Sarah Vaughan, Roland Kirk, and Roberta Flack.
His first solo album was Bold Conceptions (1962), a collection of original compositions that showcased his classical and jazz influences. He followed it with Explosions (1965), an avant-garde album that featured electronic sounds and tape manipulation. He then took a hiatus from recording as a leader until 1974, focusing on his work as a sideman and arranger.
Some of his notable albums from this period include:
One (1974): His first album for CTI Records, which marked his transition to a more accessible and commercial sound. It featured the hit single Nautilus, which became one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history.
Two (1975): His second album for CTI Records, which continued his exploration of funk, soul, and fusion. It featured the classic track Take Me to the Mardi Gras, another staple for hip-hop producers.
Three (1976): His third album for CTI Records, which introduced his signature sound of lush keyboards, smooth grooves, and catchy melodies. It featured the popular songs Westchester Lady and Storm King.
BJ 4 (1977): His fourth album for CTI Records, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance. It featured the tracks Pure Imagination and Night Crawler.
Heads (1977): His fifth album for CTI Records, which was his first to feature vocals by guest singers such as Patti Austin and Jon Lucien. It featured the songs I Need You So and You're As Right As Rain.
You can download or stream these albums in lossless audio format from [Qobuz] or [HDtracks].
Middle Years (1978-1999)
In 1978, Bob James left CTI Records and started his own label, Tappan Zee Records, which gave him more creative freedom and control over his music. He also formed a successful duo with saxophonist David Sanborn, releasing several albums that blended jazz, pop, and R&B. He also experimented with different genres and styles, such as classical, new age, world music, and rap.
Some of his notable albums from this period include:
Touchdown (1978): His first album for Tappan Zee Records, which featured the theme song for the TV show Taxi, called Angela. It also featured the tracks Tappan Zee and Kari.
Lucky SevenLook-Alike and Rush Hour.
One on One (1979): His first album with David Sanborn, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. It featured the songs Maputo, Moon Tune, and Never Enough.
H (1980): His third album for Tappan Zee Records, which was a tribute to his mentor Quincy Jones. It featured the tracks The Steamin' Feelin', Snowbird Fantasy, and Shepherd's Song.
All Around the Town (1981): His first live album, which was recorded at various venues in New York City. It featured the songs Touchdown, Westchester Lady, and Brighton by the Sea.
Sign of the Times (1981): His fourth album for Tappan Zee Records, which was one of his most experimental albums. It featured the tracks Hypnotique, The Walkman, and Sign of the Times.
Hands DownSpunky, Macumba, and Janus.
Two of a KindSouthern Smile, Moon Over Miami, and The Marrying Kind.
FoxieFoxie, Gone Hollywood, and Cool Eddie.
m>Taxi, which was a more orchestral and classical album. It featured the tracks The Genie, Angela (Theme from "Taxi"), and More Than Friends.
The SwanThe Swan, Pavane, and Reverie.
Double VisionMaputo, Since I Fell for You, and Moon Tune.
m>, and What's Up.
Grand Piano CanyonBare Bones, Restless, and Grand Piano Canyon.
CoolStorm Warning, Under Me, and Cool.
Joined at the HipMaputo, You Don't Know Me, and Sofia.
Playin' HookyPlayin' Hooky, Lay Down with You, and Joy Ride.
Joy RideMind Games, Bisso Baba, and Joy Ride.
You can download or stream these albums in lossless audio format from [Qobuz] or [HDtracks].
Late Years (2000-present)
In 2000, Bob James left Warner Bros. Records and started his own label, Kei Records, which allowed him to release his music independently and directly to his fans. He also formed a supergroup with fellow keyboardists Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, and Nathan East, called Fourplay, which became one of the most popular and successful jazz groups of all time. He also continued to collaborate with various artists, such as Earl Klugh, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, and Chuck Loeb.
Some of his notable albums from this period include:
m> (2001): His first album for Kei Records, which was a solo piano album featuring original compositions and covers of songs by Sting, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. It featured the tracks Dancing on the Water, Fields of Gold, and Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.
Restoration: The Best of Bob JamesNautilus, Angela (Theme from "Taxi"), and Maputo.
Morning, Noon & NightMorning, Noon & Night, Endless Time, and Love's Light in Flight.
Take It from the TopTake It from the Top, Moon River, and One Note Samba.
m> (2006): His third album for Kei Records, which was a more funky and upbeat album. It featured the tracks Urban Flamingo, Strollin', and It's All Right.
Angels of ShanghaiAngels of Shanghai, Endless Time, and The Magic Garden.
m> (2008): His first Christmas album, which featured original and classic songs with a jazz twist. It featured the tracks Christmas Eyes, The First Noel, and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.
The Very Best of Bob JamesWestchester Lady, Take Me to the Mardi Gras, and Double Vision.
m> (2015): His second album with Nathan East, which was a tribute to the Colombian painter Fernando Botero. It featured the tracks Botero, Crazy, and Submarine.
m> (2016): His first album with Kevin DiSimone, which was a collection of jazz standards and original songs. It featured the tracks In the Chapel in the Moonlight, What'll I Do, and Too Marvelous for Words.
m> (2018): His latest album, which was a return to his jazz roots and featured his new trio with Michael Palazzolo and Billy Kilson. It featured the tracks Bulgogi, Topside, and Submarine.
You can download or stream these albums in lossless audio format from [Qobuz] or [HDtracks].
Conclusion
Bob James is a legendary jazz keyboardist who has influenced generations of musicians and listeners with his diverse and innovative discography. He has released over 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, pop, and hip-hop. His music has been sampled by countless artists, from De La Soul to Jay-Z, and he is widely regarded as a pioneer of smooth jazz and fusion.
In this article, we have explored the discography of Bob James in lossless audio format, which preserves the original sound quality of his recordings without any data loss or compression. Lossless audio formats include FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, and DSD, and they offer a superior listening experience for audiophiles and music lovers. We have also provided some links to where you can download or stream some of his albums in lossless quality.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and learned more about the amazing music of Bob James. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
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