Search - Bob James :: Bj 4 (Reis)

It just gets on better than Bob James!

DJ Come of Age | Germany/France/USA | 08/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The beauty of music is that it can take you places. Ever notice how certain artists or songs stir up nostalgic images in your mind? We never fail to forget life's milestones because of the melody that played at those important times. Days before I enlisted in the military many moons ago, my next door neighbor gave me a gift. It was an old, almost worn out cassette tape titled "BJ4". He told me the tape was very good and would help get me through basic training if I played it enough. That was my introduction to the world of Mr. Incredible, Bob James.



My neighbor was right because I played that tape over and over during those long weeks at Basic Training. Even now when I listen to BJ4, I think of him giving me that tape, my perception at seeing the old school photo of Mr. James, even the tough physical regimen I had to endure. BJ4 doesn't run long, it contains only six songs. I absolutely love "El Verano" and "Where the Wind Blows Free". As you may have guessed, BJ4 was preceded by three other albums by Bob James, and they are aptly named "One", "Two", "Three", and include collaborations with the likes of Grover Washington Jr. and Patti Austin.



It is not unusual for a talent of this caliber to collaborate with other greats. Mr. James' discography boasts a plethora of such talents. Kirk Whalum, Luther Vandross, Keiko Matsui, David Sandborn, Hillary James, and dare we forget his fellow members of Fourplay.His influence and music highly recognized by hip hop musicians worldwide. You will find the track "Nautilus" an underground favorite of many a jock! This is beautiful music to be passed down through the generations. Throughout my career, whether it was in the military, college, and later as a DJ , the music of Bob James always plays in heavy rotation. It is more than evident at night when I tuck my son into bed. A mere four years old, he asks if he can listen to some "Mr. James".



If the name is new to you, then feel free to indulge. I am certain you will open your world up to a lasting set of music that you will cherish for many years to come. Enjoy!



DJ Come of Age

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