LCP Bob James jazz
Friday, September, 19, 2025
8:00 p.m.
Bob James is a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and producer whose innovative work helped shape both smooth jazz and hip-hop. He began playing piano at age four and was discovered by Quincy Jones at the 1963 Notre Dame Jazz Festival. This led to his debut album, Bold Conceptions. James gained prominence in the 1970s with a series of albums including One, Two, Three, and BJ4, which featured his signature blend of jazz, funk, and orchestral arrangements.
Among his most iconic tracks are “Angela” (the theme from the TV show Taxi), “Westchester Lady,” “Nautilus,” “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” and “Maputo” (with David Sanborn). His compositions, particularly “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” have been extensively sampled by hip-hop artists, earning him the nickname “the godfather of hip-hop.”
In 1991, James co-founded the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay, further cementing his influence in the genre. Over his career, he has released more than 50 albums and won two Grammy Awards. His music continues to resonate across generations and genres.
Tickets:
$65 General Public
Seating: Reserved
8:00 p.m.
Bob James is a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and producer whose innovative work helped shape both smooth jazz and hip-hop. He began playing piano at age four and was discovered by Quincy Jones at the 1963 Notre Dame Jazz Festival. This led to his debut album, Bold Conceptions. James gained prominence in the 1970s with a series of albums including One, Two, Three, and BJ4, which featured his signature blend of jazz, funk, and orchestral arrangements.
Among his most iconic tracks are “Angela” (the theme from the TV show Taxi), “Westchester Lady,” “Nautilus,” “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” and “Maputo” (with David Sanborn). His compositions, particularly “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras,” have been extensively sampled by hip-hop artists, earning him the nickname “the godfather of hip-hop.”
In 1991, James co-founded the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay, further cementing his influence in the genre. Over his career, he has released more than 50 albums and won two Grammy Awards. His music continues to resonate across generations and genres.
Tickets:
$65 General Public
Seating: Reserved
