Our MusiConversation with Bob James, was originally recorded in the late summer of 2007 and aired September 2007.
In this inaugural episode of Music Conversations on Jazz, host Tom Schuman interviews legendary jazz pianist and composer Bob James. They discuss Bob's illustrious career, current projects, and the creative philosophies that have shaped his journey.
Key Highlights:
Bob James’ Current Projects:
- Bob shares his recent experience performing Beethoven’s Symphony with classical pianist Frederick Chu in a four-hand arrangement.
- Upcoming performances include tours in Japan with a sextet blending jazz and hip-hop, featuring turntablist Rob Swift.
Career Retrospective:
- Tom highlights Bob’s extensive body of work, from early albums like *Bold Conceptions* to collaborations with icons such as David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr., and Paul Simon.
- Bob reflects on his acclaimed albums *Angels of Shanghai* and *Take It From the Top*, emphasizing his exploration of Chinese music and cross-cultural collaboration.
Cultural and Musical Exploration:
- Bob discusses how his *Angels of Shanghai* project blended his jazz style with traditional Chinese instrumentation, particularly the erhu. He describes the emotional depth of the instrument and the exceptional talent of young Chinese musicians.
Artistic Philosophy:
- Bob emphasizes the importance of innovation, balancing audience expectations with creative growth, and refusing to be confined by past successes.
- He views music as a universal language that fosters global understanding and strives for two-way cultural exchange in his projects.
Technological and Instrumental Insights:
- Bob discusses his evolving relationship with acoustic piano versus Fender Rhodes, expressing a growing preference for acoustic piano for its dynamic range and depth.
- Shares his experience refining piano sound with engineer Ken Freeman, resulting in pristine recordings.
Personal Anecdotes and Legacy:
- Bob recounts early influences, including Stan Getz, and his family’s subtle encouragement toward music.
- Reflects on the significance of music in fostering peace and unity across cultures.
