On October 30th, The University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance gave pianist, composer and arranger Bob James their highest award. He received The Distinguished Alumnus Award and was inducted in to the School Of Music, Theater and Dance Hall Of Fame. The celebration will be complete when Bob James makes his debut appearance as a jazz quintet leader in Hill Auditorium presented by The University Musical Society.
Earlier this fall I spoke with Bob James and tried to get as much of his varied musical history in to a half-hour conversation. It wasn’t easy! From his earliest intentions to be a classical music concert pianist to his avant-garde jazz experiments to his spectacular commercial music success and to his current acoustic music direction, Bob James is a role model to follow and respect.
Ken Fischer - President of The University Musical Society, Peter Witte – Chairman of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance Alumni Society Board of Governors and Ron Brooks, the bassist with the original Bob James Trio joined me to express their admiration and appreciation for Bob James.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLLEpIcGlGc&list=UUkPSEe_6TbAPLOQJ5c63ggg
- Interview additionally produced by Brad McNett and Patrik Holubik
