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Bob James performs a Tiny Desk concert. Elizabeth Gillis/NPR hide caption

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Elizabeth Gillis/NPR

Tiny Desk

Bob James: Tiny Desk Concert

May 20, 2024 • The jazz pianist performs a decades-spanning set, including a new, improvised version of "Nautilus" with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Talib Kweli.

Five Songs By The 'Rhodes Scholar' Keyboardist Of Hip-Hop

Keyboardist and producer Bob James' 1970s work helped to establish the sound of smooth jazz — and lives on in hip-hop samples galore. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

A Blog Supreme

Five Songs By The 'Rhodes Scholar' Keyboardist Of Hip-Hop

October 17, 2013 • Professing love for Bob James' music can yield a side-eye in some circles, as his 1970s work is seen as a progenitor to smooth jazz. But he certainly knew his way around a catchy melody and an infectious riff — as legions of rap and house producers have discovered through sampling.

Music

Bob James: 'Urban Flamingo'

March 9, 2006 • Pianist Bob James has been a major force in jazz for more than 40 years, and he's still going strong. His just-released a new solo CD is called Urban Flamingo.

Bob James: 'Urban Flamingo'

Audio will be available later today.

Music

Bob James Trio, 'Take It From the Top'

March 2, 2004 • For many of his fans, Bob James is to jazz what James Brown is to R&B — the music and the musician go hand in hand. Now, with literally dozens of jazz albums under his belt, James is back with a classic piano-bass-drums trio. Hear full-length cuts from his latest CD, plus an extended version of his conversation with NPR's Tavis Smiley.

Bob James Trio, 'Take It From the Top'

Audio will be available later today.