18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS song ‘Westchester Lady.’ And he played with me on the Grover Washington albums I was working on. He remains a big in uence on me. We are really close friends. “ ose kinds of special friendships remain the highlights of my career for me.” While he is one of the very rare popular musicians still playing live shows into their 80s, James doesn’t see himself slowing down anytime soon. He is conscious of the rigors of music-making and takes care of his health so he can keep up with the Mick Jaggers and Willie Nelsons of the business. “I feel every day is a bonus,” he said pragmatically. “I’m very aware of the mathematics and see the obituaries of musicians and the reality of life, so I’m working harder than I used to and taking care of my health. I eat right, drink much less alcohol, and work out three times a week with a trainer. I don’t think about age too much in a negative way, but I enjoy my life while I have it.” He added that he thinks he can still keep up with young musicians and enjoys playing live more than ever. In October, James will have an opportunity to enchant festival audiences when he returns to the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. “I’ve played Catalina several times, and I love it,” he emphasized. “I get frustrated when I play it, because we usually only come in there to play one day, and it’s such a fun and beautiful island. I would love to work it out so I could stay a week or two a erwards and enjoy the island. It’s so atmospheric, and the festival has a great history. I’m looking forward to coming back to play.” Jazz fans hoping to see James reunite with drummer Mason and bassist Nathan East, the remaining members of Fourplay, will have to keep waiting. e odds are not good for a record or tour, but James will not rule it out. “It’s going to be di cult,” he admitted. “We are so far into our separate careers that starting out new would be a major commitment, and since so much of my time is dedicated to my quartet now, a Fourplay project would seem to be a scheduling impossibility. I’m sure it’s true for Nate and Harvey. But we have talked about a one-o Fourplay tour, and that remains a possibility. With our ages, though, we don’t know. We’ve been through three guitarists, too. e last one, Chuck Loeb, we thought was the strongest, and when he passed away, it was such a great loss and led to deep frustration for us. It never felt quite right to start up again.” One thing is certain: James will continue to make music in his home while enjoying a peaceful, quiet life with his family. He is committed to spending as much time with them as possible and avoiding the stress and chaos of the music industry. “I’m fortunate to have my family living with me in Traverse City, Michigan,” he said. “I have a compound where my daughter, her husband and my granddaughter live in one part, and I live in the other. “My daughter happens to be a great cook, so I take advantage of that almost daily. I’m very fortunate about that part of my life and secure in knowing I have a place to come home to a er the tours. e piano and making music are pretty much life at this point. I used to play golf, but not anymore. I wake up and get a cup of co ee, and go to the really nice piano near my bedroom and get on with my day. “Making music is a wonderful way to spend the day.” James is scheduled to perform at the 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival on Oct. 17, in the Catalina Casino Ballroom in Avalon, California. For more information on James, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.bobjames.com. I’ve played Catalina several times, and I love it … It’s so atmospheric, and the festival has a great history. I’m looking forward to coming back to play. Bob James performing at the 2013 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival PHOTO: PAT BENTER PHOTO: KIRA ABELARDO HOLLIMON continued from page 17
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