Bob James: Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | May 27, 2024
Bob James' Tiny Desk concert is a manifestation of freedom and collaboration. "I have youth represented here," he says before introducing his band. "I don't have that myself, but I can hire it." The joke is tinged with a certain degree of truth. Still, curiosity and openness fuel his fresh spirit and keep his fanbase wide-ranging. The jazz pianist, composer and producer took his opportunity at the Desk to highlight his iconic discography, spanning over five decades.
Quincy Jones discovered Bob James in the 1960s and signed him to a record deal. He then arranged for other jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan and Grover Washington Jr. before releasing his album One in 1974. That album featured "Feel Like Making Love" and "Nautilus," one of the most sampled records in hip-hop. While James has released dozens of projects with his contemporaries, hip-hop has been the bridge to younger generations.
Before the new, improvised version of "Nautilus" with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli - seriously, they mapped it out and tried it once before we hit record - James played other highlights from his catalog including "Westchester Lady," "Angela (Theme from Taxi)," and "The Secret Drawer" from his Grammy-nominated album, Jazz Hands.
SET LIST
"The Secret Drawer"
"Westchester Lady"
"Angela (Theme from Taxi)"
"Nautilus (feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli)"
MUSICIANS
Bob James: piano
James Adkins: drums
Michael Palazzolo: bass
Andrey Chmut: saxophone
DJ Jazzy Jeff: DJ
Talib Kweli: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Michael Zamora
Audio Engineer: Carleigh Strange
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #bobjames

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@luminous_luke]

may she and mr Sanborn rest in peace. bless you

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@francescodefendi3201]

84 years old! Legendary… Great gig guys!

[@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.

[@jeremyraglin8170]

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

[@bobjimbobjim9006]

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!

[@bigikesmalls]

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

[@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!!!

[@freshdew4153]

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

[@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

[@kenblecha8840]

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

[@demondbrown206]

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

[@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 🕊🎷

[@anthonym612]

Bob is KILLING it at 85!

[@alessandrograldi4334]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@zmedia6720]

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

[@pambailey7149]

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

[@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 ✌️

[@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❤

[@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]

💯💯💯

[@Christian_neosoul]

This might be my favourite Tiny Desk to date

[@nidhavellir]

Likewise

[@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.

[@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...

[@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!

[@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!

[@jarvismenezes7951]

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

[@hamilton7274]

We can't say it enough . Legend! 🎉

[@deaundrethomas9792]

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

[@anderseno1659]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@andersingram]

Shout out to the band too! Amazing musicians.

[@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.

[@Citizenesse8]

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

[@itsbrandonboyd]

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

[@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.

[@mikex4941]

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

[@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!

[@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*

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@KSJ91]

What real music sounds like young people. Instruments 💯

[@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

[@user-hv6jl9br5h]

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..

[@user-hv6jl9br5h]

@@skkoh7363 글게요 참 대가의 삶을 몸소 보여주시는 분이죠

[@jazzpairing]

이번 연주 ㅠㅠㅠ 그래서 더 감동적이에요...

[@uptheredoniworld]

존경, 감사...오래오래 음악활동해주시길 ㅜㅜ

[@rafaelferrer1]

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

[@TracyZellars]

One of the Jazz Masters!!!👑👌🏾💯

[@MyMelanin]

Jazz and hip hop ☺️

[@lynnettereede6887]

Jip Jop!

[@nickgreen7646]

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

[@donnacollins8331]

It must be such an honor to play with Mr. James. The guys he picked for this are all outstanding musicians. This is such a treat!!❤❤❤

[@zislec]

The legendary Bob James, everybody. 👏🏾😌

[@Makeoversby]

Wonderful collaboration. Yes, I like this. Yes! Yes! Yes! I like this. This is a beautiful blend. Everyone did a great job!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@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.

[@gregarnold1696]

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

[@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

[@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 🙏

[@stylebykatb.5661]

What an awesome Tiny Desk! I love that Mr James is so open to collaborate with hip hop artists! Wonderful Tiny Desk, yall been on fire lately 🔥

[@dr.robertbennett3452]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Bluebird_isnearby]

Love you Bob James. I started listening your music when i was 15years old, Now i'm 32 year. It's thankful that you are with us until now!

[@FedericoLuongo]

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

[@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.

[@donaldlhudson]

Love, love, love Bob James and his accomplices! Been a big fan since the 70's and haven't stopped listening. Thank you Bob for your beautiful music! So meaningful to me.

[@ricotubbs1]

Love the fact he seems to always find a way to keep his music fresh and hip. And at 84 years young, he's mellowed some, but still has the love for playing and performing. Keep bring us your great music.

[@DavidHaile_profile]

Loving it! This is one of my favorite tiny desk sessions ever.

[@Avery_4272]

Superb!! Bob James, you are so cool and your musicianship and playing are so inspiring. And thank you to the other superb artists who joined James here, and to NPR/TD Concerts.

[@evelynap9728]

WOW just WOW We are getting grooving old together. The Band is just fantastic. Great musicians. HIP Music. TY. I love to listen to him speaking to us too 💋 Just beautiful !!!

[@kamsteele]

Bob James is a baaaaaaad man. I have been listening to his music for about 50 years now and he never disappoints.

[@Bashanvibe]

Thank you for bringing a living jazz legend to NPR!!! This man is one of my influences on jazz music as a piano player and composer!!!

[@mshurt100]

Best desk job ever!! Amazing fun! Thank you❤

[@ChilleBruh]

Bob James the Legend, his “first desk job”. 😂

[@lindatauhid9958]

😂

[@SongmanKK]

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

[@johnsrabe]

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

[@mimowaiyaki2655]

Bob James, you are a wonder!!! 👌🏾

[@24688868]

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

[@jbakos]

Big Shout Out from Hungary!!!!❤🎉😊😊😊

[@bobbydunston7340]

That was amazing! I need an hour-long Bob James tiny desk concert!

[@maxvideoz2]

Soooo goood !!!!

[@rosaray6618]

This is so great! I was raised hearing my parents play Bob James, only to grow up into hip hip and continue to hear him in a new way. What a wonderful way to honor him while he is here to see it!

[@Makeoversby]

Wow!!!I love the versatility. 🤔That coat, really stands out! It's a warm clay sienna, pop! I love the band. It's nice to meet you all. I LOVE Jazz!!!

[@michaelheinz3954]

This is a downright sensational Tiny Desk Concert. Thank you so much for bringing theses guys up.

[@blazehauser1432]

So happy to hear Bob James still making great music. He made me fall in the love with the sound of the Rhodes as a kid and it has stuck with me since.

[@martagonzalezmtz.8920]

Bob just love your music OMG Angels in your hands Greetings from Mexico ❤

[@teegallon]

Bravo !! 🗣️👏🏿 Simply incredible from start to finish.🔥

[@rickjensen2645]

Bob James...The GOAT! Thank you Tiny Desk for having this master on your channel

[@kennyray116C]

Top 5 Tiny Desk! Bob James is a BOSS.

[@descendingforth]

What an amazingly talented musician and group of musicians here. Bob good on you!

[@miso-sup]

Delicate clear leitmotives. It's beautiful ❤ thanks