Though he has recorded a couple of straight jazz albums, most of his recordings contain "pop-jazz" which is a type of instrumental pop music. Bob James was an important figure in turning 1970s fusion jazz more commercial. For their album One on One, Earl Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981.
"Angela", the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is probably Bob James' most well-known work to date.
With his song "Take Me To The Mardi Gras", Bob James secured his place in hip-hop history when the song was sampled by Run-DMC in their song "Peter Piper" from the Raising Hell release. "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" has been sampled in numerous hip-hop songs since "Peter Piper", including Eric B. & Rakim's "Don't Sweat The Technique", the Beastie Boys' "Hold It Now, Hit It", and by Timbaland, in Missy Elliot's "Work It".
Another song by Bob James that has also been frequently sampled by the hip-hop and electronic music community is "Nautilus", being sampled by artists such as DJ Premier, Pete Rock, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Cam and Luke Vibert, and Ghostface Killah. Nautilus has been covered by current touring acts as diverse as Greyboy Allstars and Sound Tribe Sector 9.
Bob James' recordings have practically defined pop/jazz and crossover during the past few decades. Very influenced by pop and movie music, James has often featured R&B-ish soloists (most notably Grover Washington Jr.), who add a jazz touch to what is essentially an instrumental pop set. He actually started out in music going with a much different direction.
In 1962, Bob James recorded a bop-ish trio set for Mercury, and three years later his album for ESP was quite avant-garde, with electronic tapes used for effects. After a period with Sarah Vaughan (1965-1968), he became a studio musician, and by 1973 was arranging and working as a producer for CTI.
In 1974, James recorded his first purely commercial effort as a leader; he later made big-selling albums for his own Tappan Zee label, Columbia, and Warner Bros., including collborations with Earl Klugh (Cool, One on One) and David Sanborn (Double Vision). Listeners who prefer challenging jazz to background dance music will be consistently disappointed by Bob James' post-1965 albums.
James is a member of smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay and is a Yamaha Artist.
Sign Of The Times
Bob James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See the signs
Bababadoo bop
Etc
The song "Sign of the Times" by Bob James captures the essence of our changing times by addressing the signs of the present. The opening line, "Change in times," is an indication of the inherent disruption to the status quo that comes with progress. The pre-chorus, "See the signs," is an invitation to listen to the world and recognize the changes around us.
The song's message is not all doom and gloom. The upbeat, lively melody reflects optimism and hope for a brighter future. The nonsensical words, "Bababadoo bop, etc.," are a nod to the joyful energy that accompanies novelty and excitement. The song suggests that the world is moving forward, and we should embrace the momentum and evolve along with it.
Overall, "Sign of the Times" is an invigorating song that encourages listeners to recognize the signs of change and embrace progress with hope and enthusiasm.
Line by Line Meaning
Change in times
The world around us is constantly evolving and adapting to new circumstances, which can create significant changes in our social, political, and cultural systems.
See the signs
It is important to pay attention to the subtle and not-so-subtle shifts in our environment and society in order to understand how they may impact our lives and the lives of those around us.
Bababadoo bop
This line does not have a concrete meaning, as it is likely meant to showcase the musicality of the piece rather than convey a specific message.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACOB LUTTRELL, WILLIAM LOBBAN-BEAN, THOMAS CALLAWAY, BOB JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex _Harnar_618
There were four samples in the song: ‘Regulate’ by Warren G & Nate Dogg (1994)
—————————————
1. ‘I Keep Forgetting’ - Michael McDonald (1982) (Which is the main sample for the song.)
2. ‘Sign Of Times’ - Bob James (1981) (Which is the synth riff used in the intro & at each chorus of the song.).
3. Casey Siemaszko as Charlie Bowdre in Young Guns (1988) (Which is the vocal sample in the beginning saying: “Regulators, we regulate any stealing of his property and we damn good too, but you can't be any geek off the street, gotta be handy with the steel if you know what I mean to earn your keep.”)
4. ‘Wikka Wrap’ - The Envasions (1981) (Which is where the line: “When rhythm is life & life is rhythm” in the third verse originally came from.)
Phill C - azexperiment
Bob, you are a MAJOR inspiration! Sending love and good vibes! Thank you for all the music!
Credits
* Bob James – acoustic piano, Rhodes piano, all synthesizers, horn and string arrangements, calliope solo
* Rod Temperton – rhythm track and synthesizer arrangements; horn, string and vocal arrangements
* Steve Khan – guitar
* Gary King – bass
* Major Holley – scat contrabass solo
* John Robinson – drums
* Leonard "Doc" Gibbs – percussion
* Tabby Andriello – special effects
Wild scat solo from Major Holley! Pure brilliance!
Gustavo Ferreira
Como é bom ter 27 anos de idade, e apreciar obras como essa. Sou da nova geração que valoriza boa música, fui bem educado!
Marcos Antonio
Esse músico é maravilhoso! Curto muito ele com seus teclados inconfundível também na banda Fourplay. Vale a pena conferir.
Don Coleanoos
Hip Hop owes you a lot Sir Bob. Every time I listen to this track i have goose bumps all over. Fantastic music for all time. GOD bless you for making music that lifts the soul.
dre7sus
One of my favourite Bob James joints.. So funky 💯
Joe Manansala
Bob, I'm one of your fans for years! Your'e always one of the best in my jazz collection!
Arthur Estulaño
Bons tempos da Rádio Mundial a 860 - Essa musiquinha tocava sempre por volta das 9 da noite. Eu e a minha gata a ouvíamos juntos, no rádio, sentados ali na calçada dela. O que te faz bem hoje é o que te fará morrer de saudade amanhã.
Alair von Randow
Esse som era bom na época e ainda continua sendo top. Parabéns também pela animação!!!!
Deborah Nardelli
Amo essa música. Fez parte da minha juventude.
Sérgio Nogueira
Essa é a mais marcante das disco anos 80. Linda demais 👏👏👏👏
Antonio Carlos de Souza
Incrível não me canso de ouvir