Bob James
Show Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Show Time: 7:30pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Ticket Price: $35-$65 Plus applicable fees
Show Type: Jazz
Restrictions: All Ages
The career of Bob James is long, varied, and continues to evolve. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the 1963 Notre Dame Jazz Festival, James recorded his debut solo album Bold Conceptions for Mercury Records. He honed his craft at CTI Records, working with artists like Hank Crawford and Grover Washington Jr. His 1974 album One launched a lifelong career in recording and performance, followed by his own label, Tappan Zee Records. This period produced “Angela,” the theme for Taxi, and a Grammy-winning collaboration with Earl Klugh on One on One.
James explored classical music with CBS Masterworks before releasing Double Vision with David Sanborn in 1985, earning another Grammy. In 1991, he co-founded Fourplay with Harvey Mason, Nathan East, and Lee Ritenour. The group found lasting success, releasing many albums and touring worldwide. His solo projects during this time included Joy Ride, Dancing on the Water, and Take It From the Top, a tribute to jazz piano greats.
A smooth jazz pioneer, James’ tracks like “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” are among hip-hop’s most sampled, used by artists from De La Soul to N.W.A. He remained prolific through the 2000s and beyond, collaborating with Keiko Matsui, Nathan East (The New Cool), and daughter Hilary James. With over 50 albums, Grammy wins, and a legacy that bridges jazz, classical, and modern music, Bob James continues to shape the sound of generations.