Bob James: Tiny Desk Concert

[@GoADHDGo]

Even if you’ve never heard of Bob James, you’ve heard Bob James.

[@dezsokosa9182]

...top comment!!!

[@mceasermcmc]

FACCCCCCCTSS

[@artiecrisp9348]

PERFECT COMMENT

[@tonywiggs1139]

Facts!!!!

[@josaczyn]

I feel so old right now! Brings me right back!

[@ConMdeMarcelo]

84 years old, doing what he loves, open to learn and evolve. WOW!!! Bob James 🔝🔝🔝

[@AndersTornqvistsvedbergh]

I just got 60. Seeing Bob is a huge inspiration for me to keep on and do more stuff

[@Lottaonair]

To be this open minded at this age is incredible, not many of us have that munch tolerance, a role model to me. Enjoyed every second of this!

[@OrganicGreens]

That bass player is nuts.

[@weedanwine]

He is sick, there's a really nice session recorded a few years ago with Bob, Michael Palazzolo and another drummer where you get to hear Micheal solo more.

[@RobertSlover]

dentists office music? zzzzzzzzz.......

[@cooldebt]

@@weedanwine The recordings with Billy Kilson? That's when I first noticed Michael's great bass.

[@cooldebt]

@@RobertSlover If my dentist played music like this, I would have gone more often! The rhythm section is great! Anyway, playing at this level, 'even' smooth jazz, takes a fair bit of musical talent so I for one won't be sleeping through it!

[@RobertSlover]

@@cooldebt smooth jazz isnt jazz man!

[@LawrenceRoss1906]

A whole bunch of classic hip hop doesn't exist without Bob James.

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

I'm a 80s, 90s hip hop head and you are 💯💯💯

[@williedynamyte]

Amen to that

[@brandenmoore8813]

And modern hip hop the drums in the first track sounds a lot like "silhouette" by little simz

[@c.t5136]

I was just racking my brains for that drum rap....

[@twashbeats]

Was just playing Bob James 3 days ago 🔥

[@lonca_47]

Drummer is insanely tight 🤯

[@koolielakool3108]

James Adkins

[@flopasen]

whole crew is tight!

[@jazzsmith5187]

1fuckinghundred

[@ohdontchaknow]

And seemingly racist Bob doesn't really care ☹️

[@TheJDoyle42]

@@ohdontchaknow I noticed that the drummers introduction by Bob was quite weaker and different than the others....hopefully just a coincidence though Bob doesn't seem racist

[@ReinventingMarcClarke]

Man, this snuck me…My Late Mother always played Bob and as I was jammin’ I started crying thinking about her and the passing of David Sanborn…this music was my childhood and my Mom…the power of music & memories is amazing❤

[@znayJ]

My Mother loved David Sanborn

[@JayEm74]

❤

[@Citizenesse8]

David Sanborn's passing slayed me quite a bit. My dad and I would listen to him, Bob James, and so many others. My dad has been gone for 3 years now. This ensemble is so good.

[@dimp10]

Same. My mom LOVED Bob James and I grew up listening to all of his albums! I love Jazz as an adult and my teenage kids appreciate it as well. Thanks, Mom and Bob James!

[@dawsonian2000]

Big David Sanborn fan here! Loved his song Maputo, which is my fav! God bless! Rest in song and peace, Dave!

[@francescodefendi3201]

84 years old! Legendary… Great gig guys!

[@jackieclark8253]

Bob is STILL the man...even at 84 yrs old! I was bless to play with him back in 2019 with Kirk Whalum.Somuch fun on that show, and Bob was bringing it that night...definitely made me play better than I had in a long time!!! I love that brother!!!!! This bassist is BANANAS!!!!!!!!!!! The whole band actually!! Great job!

[@mixedvisions360]

Peace fam. I appreciate your confession.

[@Sethglover99]

Great to see bob james still killing it ❤. What a legend

[@farshimelt]

he was a more interesting player when he came out of college. Before the era of samooth jass and cartoon songs for simple folk.

[@angiephillips1708]

Yesss! The last track was DOPE! I'm here for All of it! ❤❤❤

[@RobertSlover]

dentists office music? zzzzzzzzz.......

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Still? He never went anywhere

[@anthonytaylor7928]

​@@RobertSloverthen why a lot rappers and hip hop sample his music

[@chucky36]

Tiny Desk DOES NOT MISS!!!!!! The collaboration we all needed!

[@stevenbyrd2188]

What I love about Bob James is that he plays with both jazz legends and young, talented musicians.

[@popgrubbs]

Matheny does the same thing, but he is a bit discriminating to play with young geniuses.

[@jeremyraglin8170]

Bob James is a perfect example of how people can keep doing what they are passionate about. 👍

[@zacharyfeinstein271]

I had the pleasure of playing drums on a gig with this man a couple of weeks ago. Such a kind soul and incredible musician :)

[@HelloLomah]

Great thing and amazona im a sax player and I do apréciate this job

[@YoungTruth]

Legend! I am so happy and overjoyed to have watched this episode! We love you Bob James

[@myst3gaming]

Bob James and David Sanborn gave us Maputo...we will never forget ❤

[@ThePecanTan]

Wow, thanks for mentioning. I'd only heard Marcus Miller's version, now I have to look theirs up.

[@gazz2863]

This!

[@kendrairvin8350]

Yeeessss!!

[@antonioarnaldotomemuluanaj2147]

You've got good taste in music my brother

[@MrNewktrane]

​@@ThePecanTanDefinitely worth the lookup. But when you do, check out the bassist on that version- who also composed that track & produced the classic " Double Vision" album.

[@jlv3x]

The number of hip hop classics the sample his music is enormous, this is just more proof that great music and musicians are timeless and always live on!!!

[@ColonelForkEyes]

Not just hip hop either. One of the biggest tunes in the history of Drum and Bass owes itself to 'Nautilus'. Plenty of Bob in house, techno and goodness knows what else.

[@tomiprice2022]

I love Bob James...been a fan since the '70s!

[@znayJ]

My late favorite cousin introduced me to Bob James, and David Sanborn back ⬅️ in the 70s, Rest Easy David Sanborn 🕊🎷

[@stephanieg460]

I'm an 80's Baby so throughout my life Hip Hop samples have taught me so many great jazz classics in a backwards ways without understanding I was gaining a deep appreciation for legendary artists like Mr. Bob James! So seeing this acknowledgement between these multi generational lovers of music is wonderful to witness! Thank you all for coming together to show the power of music! 🎵🚕😉🎼🥰✌🏾🙏🏾💜🫂

[@mississippijohnfahey7175]

That's exactly why sampling needs to be compulsory like doing a cover! Hip hop teaches young people about old music they probably would have never known otherwise. I'm all for the OG artist getting paid, but no reason why it should cost tens of thousands to sample 10 seconds when you are an unsigned artist with like a thousand streams. Let sons learn their fathers' music! That's how culture forms ✌️

[@amircanteetu2966]

Living legend! His "Sign Of The Times" album is something else!

[@anthonym612]

Bob is KILLING it at 85!

[@Gjermund-Sivertsen]

Great to see how jazz can be played no matter how old you get. Bob James is a legend... with humor... desk job

[@zmedia6720]

THIS is what music is about. this is what NYC feels like to me, also.

[@cb4664]

Especially that “Taxi” song lol but yes I agree

[@katiejosmith246]

I was living in Atlanta, Ga in the ‘80’s, and discovered Smooth Jazz on the radio. One of my favorite songs was Maputo and it still is today after all these years! Thank you for composing it as this masterpiece led me to listen to other fine musicians like Dave Sanborn and Paul Hardcastle.❤❤❤

[@bobbydunston7340]

Yes. Maputo - RIP David Sanborn!

[@teodosionzualo7439]

A big loss, Rip David Sanborn. Maputo, the city of acacias, also cries.

[@joel2421]

That’s my jam too! Love, love that bass line.

[@RobertSlover]

smooth jazz isnt jazz man!

[@BrianGreen-vo7hq]

Let me guess, 91.9 Hot Ice in the afternoon. He played some of the smoothest and funkiest jazz in the ATL.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

When they busted into Angela I cried. There’s just so much childhood nostalgia wrapped up in that tune, with my folks watching taxi late at night as I was heading up for bed on school nights. They brought every bit of emotion and heart out of it in this performance. Stunning - the whole thing was amazing. Hope Bob knows how much his music means to so many people. Here’s to many more years!

[@o.g.tommye7580]

Thank you Tiny desk! This is a dream come true to see the great Bob James and a Hip Hop Dj and MC share the stage I mean office God bless you all and God bless all the blues and jazz musicians. Thank you 🙏🏾❤🙏🏾✌🏾👑

[@jobonoyeah]

not just any MC, its Talib Kweli!

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Amen brother

[@YURI-hr6wo]

ここでBob Jamesのパフォーマンスが見れるなんて‼️ ありがとう❤

[@超バカタレakaバカタレ超]

わっさー日本人

[@pambailey7149]

Bob James and Earl Klugh ....priceless... thanks for the music!

[@freshdew4153]

He’s amazing - and so are his musicians. Seeing this reminds me of David Sanborn (R.I.P)

[@sallysson]

I was first introduce to Bob James through the Double Vision album with David Sanborn (RIP 7/30/45-5/12/24) Then I found out he did the theme song from Taxi. Amazing that he is still playing at this level. True fan, here!

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

Same!

[@kenblecha8840]

Young and old, near and far. Just proves we can all work TOGETHER.

[@bigikesmalls]

What a solid set! It is cool Mr. James embraced hip hop and understands how he inspired a new generation of musicians.

[@alessandrograldi4334]

WOW! Mr. Bob James in person playing in a desk with young talented musicians! what a pleasure! 🤩

[@steelersluv]

Thank you Bob James for being a major part of and excepting hip hop

[@RDavis-ps8ns]

I've been listening to Bob James for over 40 years. It's great to see him still in the game. I also love his collaboration with Fourplay and infusing Hip Hop. ❤

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

💯💯💯

[@좋은알람소리]

존경합니다 어르신 건강하시죠 좋은 음악 오랫동안 들려주셔서 감사하고 앞으로도 계속 들려 주십시요

[@skkoh7363]

반갑습니다.. 저양반 연세가 아마 85세일 겁니다.. 97년 쯤 예술의전당에서 딸내미 힐러리가 아빠반주에 맞춰 아리랑 불렀던 기억이 납니다..

[@좋은알람소리]

@@skkoh7363 글게요 참 대가의 삶을 몸소 보여주시는 분이죠

[@jazzpairing]

이번 연주 ㅠㅠㅠ 그래서 더 감동적이에요...

[@uptheredoniworld]

존경, 감사...오래오래 음악활동해주시길 ㅜㅜ

[@roderickturner9806]

Oh yeah, a Tiny Desk jazz set with one of the greatest jazz artists of all time! Definitely one the best TDs of all time!

[@bogdanchekerenda6691]

I was having Bob James at my home in Kyiv for the thanksgiving dinner in 2019! it was unforgettable!))

[@AndreiBerezin]

Врёшь как дышишь

[@agrichmusic]

@@AndreiBerezinо, здарова русич

[@agrichmusic]

И я это помню) только я играл )

[@agrichmusic]

@@AndreiBerezinкто ты такой вообще?

[@nahshonimmanuel1704]

Living legend ✨✨✨🫡

[@waynefoote3781]

Mr. James.....This proves that you are the Leader of HIP! By joining this incredible forum that you one of leading pioneers, truly deserve to showcase............Thank you for an incredible performance Dear Sir!

[@jarvismenezes7951]

Great to see Bob James at 84 still killing it, Absolute legend.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

The man has not lost a step. Impeccable musician, performer and showman

[@itsbrandonboyd]

Wow! Bob James! They really are killing it on the Tiny Desk. And he played Angela, too! Good music.

[@nksoul23]

This might be my favourite Tiny Desk to date

[@nidhavellir]

Likewise

[@nickgreen7646]

NAUTILUS is a legendary song. That s my favorite Bob James Jam!

[@peggydooley41]

Sometimes when I listen to jazz it feels like there is something missing; missing is filled here. Thank you to 4 men I’ve never met.

[@chisoulution6412]

Yo guys get all my respect for having such a diverse string of artists!

[@manb4war]

Truly a privilege to see the great Bob James on TinyDesk, he should've gotten two hours, just because.

[@hellodavidryan]

The most sampled composer and producer on the planet. Legend. Happy that his cut of my band’s royalty payments are going to such a creative force 🎉 PS: loved the Nautilus cameos! Bob you are wonderful. Thank you for this performance.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

He's not the most but a lot of music has been sampled the most might go to james Brown

[@ChrisGarcia-e1e]

Omg! Bob James is a TREASURE! Renews my faith in humanity.

[@privateprivate1647]

Amazing collection of musicians. That sax player is ridiculously great at phrasing. Hope he gets more gigs and a studio contract in the west.

[@crystalharris-thomas1939]

How blessed you young musicians are to perform with one of the Masters of Jazz. Learn all you can. Jazz Masters of our yesterday's cannot be duplicated. Bob is one of " the best to ever do it. Love you Bob❤❤❤

[@jessearries5113]

Tiny Desk: Bob James... Me: clicks LIKE Me: press play & love it A true great! Thank you Bob 🙏

[@instantjollof]

lol that’s crazy that’s literally my order of actions

[@fullyful]

Same here!!!

[@cameronhampton1315]

Pretty much.

[@michaelmaysjr.3228]

I followed all u guys, and HIT that " LIKE " button. Been a fan over 25 years.

[@anwardunbar7895]

As a 1970s baby who grew up on hip hop, I think the sampling of Bob's music is a testament to his brilliance. I heard Angela when I was young through Taxi but got introduced to his sounds through hip hop before coming an all out fan of Bob and Fourplay in college. I ❤️ this guy and his music.

[@hamilton7274]

We can't say it enough . Legend! 🎉

[@travisbarney3591]

Wow - I want to be like Bob James when I'm 84 - really funny and playing great! He's really been in a resurgence lately with numerous "career reflection" type interviews; but it's even better to see that he's still PLAYING strong AND that he's embracing these younger musicians (who could be his grandkids) by surrounding himself with them.

[@MyMelanin]

Jazz and hip hop ☺️

[@lynnettereede6887]

Jip Jop!

[@mik12788]

@9:56 Man.. As a native New Yorker, the theme "Angela" from the TV Show, "Taxi," definitely brings me back to the good ol' days of my childhood in the Bronx and Manhattan.

[@xeropunt5749]

Major contractor for helping lay HipHop’s foundation.

[@LSturdy]

Yes Sonically

[@lonca_47]

Preach 🙌🏻

[@LSturdy]

Now I got time. this man had nothing to do with hip hops foundation , his Music was sampled he wasnt haveing meetings with Russel Simmons.😂 Shout out to him but Our babies not going to believe Clolumbus discovered America.

[@jlv3x]

​​@@LSturdy you could not be more wrong brother. Russell Simmons is the business aspect, Hip Hop's birth took place with the music and the DJ. That's why the DJ's name always came before the rapper's in the early days. Every hip hop DJ that has ever existed will tell you that the music recorded on records came first before any DJ could work with it. What you're saying is like not giving credit to the mother that gave birth to the child. Without the music of people like James Brown and Bob James there would be no hip hop, every DJ in the world has uttered that statement at one time or another. The people that create the music always give that respect, in your scenario the musicians are the Native Americans. SALUTE THE SAMPLE!!!

[@LSturdy]

@@jlv3x I am 55 years Old and I been around since the beginning so lecture someone else There are Five Elements to Hip Hop , not just music and if you don’t understand that Then you probably have more learning to do. I was sampling probably before you were born, I am not taking anything from Bob It’s just not true that he Layed the foundation Kool Herc, Russ, Rick Rubin, Larry Smith ,KrS, Crazy Legs , Melle Mel ,JMj, Run DMC, Flash ,Graffiti Artist

[@markhammer643]

I hope I can be as sprightly and have as much funk as Bob James when I hit 84. What a lovely mini-concert!

[@pasquelross1709]

Cool is my favorite Bob James Album! I love him with Earl Kulgh too!

[@garytaylor8344]

The album with Kirk Whalum " Joined At The Hip" is fire!

[@rafiquezarim5393]

‘Taxi’ wasn’t the iconic hit it was due only to the stellar cast and witty script but also, in no small way, to the brilliant theme song and music. Bob James, you are the reason many of us love jazz!

[@TracyZellars]

One of the Jazz Masters!!!👑👌🏾💯

[@Citizenesse8]

Bob James is legendary and this is so freaking awesome. It really makes me miss David Sanborn.

[@anderseno1659]

Thank you Bob. For all your music and this performance.

[@mikex4941]

Loved Bob's work with Fourplay. Great to still see him kicking!

[@johnsrabe]

Angela is such a lovely gentle song, filled with humanity.

[@deaundrethomas9792]

The best tiny desk ever!!! Bob James is the G.O.A.T!!!!

[@zislec]

The legendary Bob James, everybody. 👏🏾😌

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

Bob James is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! So glad to see (and hear) that he has not lost "it". Every now and then I pull out one of his albums and just glide...

[@andersingram]

Shout out to the band too! Amazing musicians.

[@nazb33]

Back in the 70s, I'd watch Taxi only for the theme. That was one of the first 7" singles I acquired, even though I didn't have a record player. It was a whole ten years before my folks purchased one and that 45 stayed on the platter. Hearing this today is like a time machine taking me back to better times. Thank you Bob and crew

[@kevindigo22]

Wow!! Not something I expected to see on TDC, what a great surprise and treat. Been listening to Bob James for years in the many incarnations he has appeared in over the years as a studio musician on others albums.

[@cb4664]

Saw Bob with this same crew this weekend at the Norfolk Jazz Festival and boy oh boy did they get it in. A jazz legend. In his 80’s. Amazing. Love that he chose young men to play with and they are all absolutely exceptional. It was a real honor.

[@sanjayprakash471]

Love the version of Westchester lady. My favourite Bob James song. What a legend

[@reinouddelporte911]

What a great way to discover Bob James. Turns out I knew some of his music already trough Hip Hop samples. But now I can't stop listening to the original tracks. I've always loved jazz, but never knew I loved it so much until I discovered Bob James... Thank you.

[@We_About_That_Life]

Been listening to Bob from day 1 he’s a 🐐. 🔥🔥🔥

[@farshimelt]

Day one would have been in the late 50s.

[@We_About_That_Life]

@@farshimelt I meant in the sense of being a huge fan of Bob, Jazz and also being someone who also plays myself I am very much aware of his longevity and no I wasn’t around then my dad was but I still appreciate his greatness.

[@genisescribanodominguez9003]

This is gold !!! Wow what a nice surprise in the last song . Love it ❤ I saw Bob and his trio in Blue note ,was a dream come true, I'm from Spain . Thanks for this and also for all the amazing job you did with other amazings tiny desk concerts . Thanks 🙏

[@mimowaiyaki2655]

Bob James, you are a wonder!!! 👌🏾

[@seamlessmusic1834]

Just saw Bob James with this same lineup of musicians at Blues Alley in D.C. It was an extraordinary evening...they played with joy and passion and, at times, nearly reckless abandon, and the audience loved every minute of it!

[@extramisc_etc]

What a bright and articulate man. Im 24 now, if Im anything like Bob 60 years from now, I think it would have been a life worth living.

[@BabyDoll-oq8ck]

Omg Nautilus is one one my favorites and Bob collaborates with my favs this is heaven

[@Blackbutterfly9799]

What an awesome and great experience to witness on Tiny Desk Concerts! The Maestro...the Grand Wizard on Keys 🎹 🎼🎵🎶 Mr Bob James. The only thing I wish more....is if we could have had more time to enjoy this one beautiful and awesome performance. 'Angela..." forever! 🎼🎵🎹🎶 Thank you NPR! *Blackbutterfly Lounge*

[@ruaidhrikathygill8833]

OMG 😳 I just saw this. Bob James is amazing. Watching him doing what he does so well is a treat in itself, when he brought out Jazzy Jeff and Talib that went beyond!!! So dang amazing. Thank you and thank Bobby Carter!!! ❤❤❤

[@24688868]

That just Cleanse my soul. And that felt like 3mins

[@DonaldPleasant-x9i]

Bob James, Grover Washington Jr, Stan Getz, all GREATS! This brings back great memories of childhood. Thanks guys

[@angelapleasants8285]

What a joy to see different generations coming together and making music...how cool... ...😎 🎶😁❣️

[@seanfoudy8829]

This made my day! ❤ Witnessing generations unite in a fusion of jazz and hip hop, where samples come alive in the hands of the old and young, is pure joy.

[@dwandascott3947]

Bob James is why i love jazz. The best musician, music producer, pianist ever. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gregarnold1696]

Bob was my introduction to jazz this where it started!!!! Enjoy your life EVERYONE

[@asha8859]

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG. I love this guy! My Dad would play the theme song to Taxi when I was a child and I loved the dreamy and warm feeling I had when I listened. So magical. What a treat. NPR you're the best!

[@rafaelferrer1]

Amazing Bob James 👌🏾🎵🎶🎹🎸👏🏾🥁 Thank You Music with the Heart ❤ 🎶

[@emmanuelsamson4819]

No special effects, no outrageous costumes,no autotune, no amplifiers. Just pure unadulterated music from the experts. This is how music should be!

[@ilfantasticobananajothesci3922]

*this is how music is =)

[@MarkJVSomers]

I agree, but for one thing, there are amplifiers involved, and that's not a problem.

[@Dadee3]

*No amplifiers? Lol, how do you think that Motif is plugged? You casuals are funny.*

[@frenchblueee]

Shut up

[@MikeThaPhilosopher]

Sounds like shade to tpain 😂

[@SongmanKK]

Stupendous, that rhythm section is nuts, Bob James playing is class personified, and the sax delivering real jazz.

[@stephenplatt6930]

Been listening since you created pure imagination for Willy Wonka in 1969 , and West Chester lady is with out question a masterpiece. Thanks Bob

[@incredible0ne]

LONG LIVE BOB JAMES!!

[@FedericoLuongo]

85 years Old and He play Jazz, Hip Hop, and all the MUSIC!

[@KoreanBass]

밥 제임스 와 진짜 오랜만에 듣네요. 너무 감사합니다. 항상 건강하시구요

[@kennyray116C]

Top 5 Tiny Desk! Bob James is a BOSS.

[@1969soulflower]

Bob James is still the man.... a legend

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Still?? What u think he forgot how to play or something

[@1969soulflower]

@@anthonytaylor7928.... you have a blessed week

[@1969soulflower]

@@anthonytaylor7928... not at all

[@ekoiriyanto6991]

It's about time tiny desk... One of my smooth jazz hero. I grew up listen to bob james and bunch of other guys in 1990 and happened to like jazz along the way.

[@markmcarthy596]

Never heard of Bob, ((surprised because I thought I knew all the best @age 61. Old Dogs, new trix

[@markmcarthy596]

🫶

[@Solutions3000]

😊Glad you're now here. Bob James is a classic.

[@KSJ91]

What real music sounds like young people. Instruments 💯