Bob James, the Grammy-winning progressive-jazz-fusion keyboardist with an impressive career as a composer, performer, musical director (for Sarah Vaughan), and record industry executive, is captured in fine form during this 1985 live concert held at the Queen Mary Jazz Festival in Long Beach, CA. Kicking off with the chirpy, funky "Zebra Man," James initiates a long jam with his versatile band, stretching the melody out with plenty of room for solos. James follows the same pattern of subdividing tunes for the rest of the six-song set, which includes the delightful "Ruby, Ruby" (starting with Kirk Whalum's strong sax, slowing to a winsome keyboard solo, and ending with an exciting intertwining of sax and flute lines), "Treasure Island" (a bright calypso-flavored number), "Unicorn" (which incorporates digital loops to make one flute sound like an army), and "Westchester Lady" (with solos for just about everyone, including bass and drums). The show ends with one of James' countless variations on one of his signature pieces: the theme from the Emmy award-winning TV show Taxi. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, DVD extras include a text bio and discography. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)
Bob James: Live
(1985) 56 min. DVD: $19.98. V.I.E.W. Video. Color cover. ISBN: 0-8030-2310-3. Volume 21, Issue 6
Bob James: Live
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