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Bob James (born December 25, 1939) is a two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist.
Though he has recorded a couple of straight jazz albums, most of his recordings contain “pop-jazz” which is a type of instrumental pop music. Bob James was an important figure in turning 1970s fusion jazz more commercial. For their album One on One, Earl Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981.
“Angela”, the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is probably Bob James’ most well-known work to date.
With his song “
Take me to the Mardi Gras”, Bob James secured his place in hip-hop history when the song was sampled by RUN-DMC in their song “Peter Piper” from the Raising Hell release. “Take Me To The Mardi Gras” has been sampled in numerous hip-hop songs since “Peter Piper”, including Eric B. & Rakim’s “Don’t Sweat The Technique”, The Beastie Boys’ “Hold It Now, Hit It”, and by Timbaland, in Missy Elliot’s “Work It”.
Another song by Bob James that has also been frequently sampled by the hip-hop and electronic music community is “Nautilus”, being sampled by artists such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Cam and Luke Vibert, and Ghostface Killah. Nautilus has been covered by current touring acts as diverse as Greyboy Allstars and Sound Tribe Sector 9.
Though he has recorded a couple of straight jazz albums, most of his recordings contain “pop-jazz” which is a type of instrumental pop music. Bob James was an important figure in turning 1970s fusion jazz more commercial. For their album One on One, Earl Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981.
“Angela”, the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is probably Bob James’ most well-known work to date.
With his song “
Take me to the Mardi Gras”, Bob James secured his place in hip-hop history when the song was sampled by RUN-DMC in their song “Peter Piper” from the Raising Hell release. “Take Me To The Mardi Gras” has been sampled in numerous hip-hop songs since “Peter Piper”, including Eric B. & Rakim’s “Don’t Sweat The Technique”, The Beastie Boys’ “Hold It Now, Hit It”, and by Timbaland, in Missy Elliot’s “Work It”. Another song by Bob James that has also been frequently sampled by the hip-hop and electronic music community is “Nautilus”, being sampled by artists such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Cam and Luke Vibert, and Ghostface Killah. Nautilus has been covered by current touring acts as diverse as Greyboy Allstars and Sound Tribe Sector 9.
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One
Bob James
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Restless
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Two
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Three
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Shoutbox
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boehj a pimp!
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Herr_Apathy Nautilus!
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Miss-Kei He's amazing!?!? :-)
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kaly_ Happy Birthday !!!
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Assedor Bob is brilliant showman, able to rouse the audience. The identity of the mega-caliber, he undeniably talented keyboardist, his dashing style of play is easily recognizable.
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BarackFlowbama Nautilus is one of the best hip-hop songs ever.
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kaalper nice.
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lock2stock I don't think that labelling Bob as the best jazz musician of all time is correct. There's no need to compare him to Miles or Duke or whoever else. Bob is a great musician in his own niche.
Videos
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Play
raise the roof.wmv
5 shouts
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Play
You're As Right As Rain
1 shout
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Play
Restoration
2 shouts
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Play
Farandole
Events
- Jul 8 Fourplay feat. Chuck Loeb, Bob James, Nathan East & Harvey Mason North Sea Jazz Club, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Jul 9 Fourplay feat. Chuck Loeb, Bob James, Nathan East & Harvey Mason North Sea Jazz Club, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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