Bob James Discography [LOSSLESS] (1962-2011) 18l

Bob James is one of the most influential and versatile jazz keyboardists of all time, with a prolific career spanning over five decades. 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 R&B. His music has also been widely sampled by hip-hop artists, making him one of the most sampled musicians in history. In this article, we will explore his discography in lossless format, covering his solo albums, duets, collaborations, and live recordings from 1962 to 2011.

Solo Albums

Bob James began his solo career in 1963 with the album Bold Conceptions, which showcased his classical and avant-garde influences. He then moved to New York and became a sought-after session musician, playing on albums by Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack, and many others. In 1974, he signed with CTI Records and released his breakthrough album One, which featured the hit single "Nautilus", a funk-jazz fusion track that became a staple of hip-hop sampling. He followed up with Two in 1975, which included the classic "Take Me to the Mardi Gras", another sample favorite. He continued to release albums on CTI and its subsidiary Tappan Zee Records throughout the 1970s and 1980s, experimenting with different styles and genres, such as smooth jazz, pop, disco, electronic, and classical. Some of his most notable albums from this period are BJ4, Touchdown, Lucky Seven, H, Sign of the Times, Hands Down, Foxie, and The Genie. In 1990, he moved to Warner Bros. Records and released Grand Piano Canyon, which marked a return to his acoustic jazz roots. He also explored new directions, such as new age, world music, and orchestral arrangements. Some of his most acclaimed albums from this period are Cool, Flesh and Blood, The Swan, Straight Up, Playin' Hooky, and Joy Ride. In 2001, he released Dancing on the Water, which featured collaborations with various acoustic guitarists. He then formed his own label, Koch Records, and released several albums that showcased his diversity and creativity, such as Morning, Noon & Night, Take It from the Top, Urban Flamingo, and Angels of Shanghai. In 2008, he released his first Christmas album, Christmas Eyes. In 2011, he released Just Friends: The Hamilton Hall Sessions, which was recorded live at Hamilton College with a trio of young musicians.

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Duets

Bob James has also recorded several albums as a duo with other prominent jazz musicians. In 1979, he teamed up with saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. for the album One on One, which won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance. The album featured the smooth jazz hit "Just the Two of Us", which also featured vocals by Bill Withers. In 1982, he collaborated with guitarist Earl Klugh for the album Two of a Kind, which was another commercial and critical success. The album included the popular tracks "Kari" and "Whiplash". In 1986, he reunited with Grover Washington Jr. for the album Double Vision, which won another Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance. The album featured guest appearances by Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, and others. In 1990, he recorded an album of classical music with harpsichordist Anthony Newman, titled The Scarlatti Dialogues. The album featured interpretations of sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti. In 1996, he joined forces with bassist Nathan East for the album Joined at the Hip, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance. The album featured guest appearances by Kirk Whalum, Harvey Mason, and others. In 2011, he recorded an album of piano duets with Keiko Matsui, titled Altair & Vega. The album featured original compositions and covers of songs by The Beatles, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and others.

Collaborations

Bob James has also been involved in several collaborative projects with other jazz artists. In 1971, he participated in the CBS Jazz All-Stars, a supergroup that recorded a live album in Tokyo with Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Stanley Turrentine, Ron Carter, and Billy Cobham. In 1977, he was part of the CTI All-Stars, another supergroup that recorded a live album in California with Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, and others. In 1991, he formed Fourplay, a smooth jazz quartet with Lee Ritenour, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason. The group has released over a dozen albums and has been one of the most successful and popular jazz groups of all time. Some of their most notable albums are Fourplay, Between the Sheets, Elixir, 4, Heartfelt, and The New Cool. In 1994, he recorded an album of jazz standards with vocalist Nancy Stagnitta, titled Flesh and Blood. The album featured songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and others. In 2004, he recorded an album of original compositions with saxophonist David Sanborn, titled Closer. The album featured guest appearances by Lizz Wright, James Taylor, Steve Gadd, and others. In 2013, he recorded an acoustic jazz album with saxophonist David Sanborn and drummer Steve Gadd, titled Quartette Humaine. The album was inspired by the music of Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond.

Live Recordings

Bob James has also released several live albums that capture his dynamic and energetic performances. In 1981, he released All Around the Town, which was recorded at various venues in New York City with his band and guest musicians. The album featured songs from his previous albums as well as new compositions. In 1984, he released Rameau, which was recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival with a symphony orchestra. The album featured arrangements of pieces by French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. In 2003, he released In Hi-Fi, which was recorded at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Tokyo with his trio. The album featured songs from his earlier albums as well as new compositions. In 2013, he released Alone: Kaleidoscope by Solo Piano, which was recorded at various venues around the world. The album featured solo piano versions of his songs as well as covers of songs by Henry Mancini, John Coltrane, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and others.

Conclusion

Bob James is one of the most prolific and versatile jazz keyboardists of all time. His discography spans over five decades and covers a wide range of styles and genres. He has influenced countless musicians and has been widely sampled by hip-hop artists. His music is timeless and innovative, and continues to delight fans around the world.

If you want to download his discography in lossless format (18l), you can find it here: [link].

Sources:

[Bob James Discography Discogs]

[Bob James Albums and Discography AllMusic]

[The Best Bob James Albums of All Time - Ranker]

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