artist info

2023 Grammy nominee (new album Jazz Hands), multiple Grammy winner and Fourplay founder, Bob James is a legend in the world of jazz, with a discography of more than 58 albums. A pioneer in the sounds and style that came to be known as contemporary jazz, Bob’s shadow looms large over the music world of the last 50+ years. His music seamlessly melds genres from bop to pop, from classical to R&B via relatively simple, accessible, and elegant melodies with rich harmonies and multiple sonic textures, often anchored by lithe, funky grooves.

The veteran Grammy-winning American pianist, composer, and producer continues to break new ground with his third album, Jazz Hands, for evosound following in the wake of 2018’s Espresso and 2022’s Feel Like Makin’ LIVE.

Produced by the pianist with his manager Sonny Abelardo, the ten-track album was mostly recorded during the months of the Covid pandemic and is packed with musical surprises, shifting from lively jazz-funk workouts to soft cinematic soundscapes and then moving on to bouncy hip-hop jams before heading to the dance floor with a stomping disco groove. It also features a stellar cameo from the ex-Gnarls Barkley singer CeeLo Green on the sensuous title track and includes production input from the legendary hip-hop turntablist DJ Jazzy Jeff, who rose to fame as half of the hit-making ‘80s/’90s rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, early samplers of James’ music.

A masterful creation that easily ranks among Bob James’ very best albums, Jazz Hands is right up there alongside his earlier masterpieces earning him a Grammy nomination and performance at this year’s 66th Annual Grammy Pre Ceremony. Above all, it shows that despite his 84 years and seven long decades in the music business, Bob James is still a relevant, cutting-edge artist.

Discovered by Quincy Jones in 1963, Bob went on to play piano for Sarah Vaughan, before becoming a solo artist in 1974. Many solo projects followed, as well as collaborations with such artists as Roberta Flack, David Sanborn, and Earl Klugh. Smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay brought improvised music to the mainstream in exciting new ways. And he’s still going as strong as ever.

While James is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip-hop, having been sampled often. Two of James’ songs –“Nautilus” from 1974’s One and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” from 1975’s Two – are among the most sampled in hip-hop history.

As James states, “My life is music, and as long as I’m able to play it, I’ll keep feeling young,” he says, happily reassuring his many fans that retirement is not on his radar just yet.

Inspired by Dave Koz and tutored by renowned music teacher Artem Mendelenko, saxophonist Andrey Chmut was born in the small town of Medzhybizh in Western Ukraine. Since the age of five his mission has been to become a globally recognized saxophonist.

Upon graduating from Kyiv’s historic Glière Music College in 2015, he toured with Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala, where he honed his stage skills performing in venues across Europe and beyond. Andrey cites Fourplay founder member Bob James as one of his major smooth jazz influences along with Kirk Whalum, Charlie Parker, and others.