Bob James

About Bob James

Bob James composed the song "Angela", the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, and possibly James' best known work. Bob composed all the original music used in that television series for its entire run.

Critical Acclaim

"He became one of the biggest stars of smooth jazz..." states the NEW YORK TIMES. "[Bob James] is the consummate pianist-composer whose licks and grooves have been essential cogs in the clockwork of smooth American session jazz..." says THE GUARDIAN. "There was a time in the mid-'70s when James' music seemed to be everywhere; on the radio, television, films... None of the residue of those days is missing from this latest iteration. What is evident from start to finish is that James still has the chops and impulses..." raves DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE (2022 Album Review 'Bob James Trio: Feel Like Making Live!').

A Long and Varied Career

Multi-Platinum-Selling, 2x-GRAMMY® Award Winner & 19x-GRAMMY® Nominated Piano Legend BOB JAMES' career is long, varied & continues to evolve at every turn. From his first days, the music of Bob James has captivated audiences throughout the world. Discovered by Quincy Jones at Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first album, 'Bold Conceptions,' that same year. 58 albums & innumerable awards would follow through five decades, establishing James as one of the fathers of Smooth & Contemporary Jazz.

Musical Contributions

In addition to Gold & Platinum-Selling albums on his own and in various collaborations, he issued four numerically titled albums in the mid-'70s that successfully melded Jazz, Pop & Classical styles with sharp arrangements, accessible melodies & funky grooves. Those 4 albums are all considered shining examples of early jazz-funk (2 songs, "Nautilus" & "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" are among the most sampled songs in history). James is a founding member of Jazz Supergroup FOURPLAY.