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TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE SUMMER GUIDE 2004 15 NITELIFE GUIDE Jazz composer expands creations, talents BY MARTA HEPLER DRAHOS theme to the ‘70s television myself,” he says — it did Record-Eagle staff writer show “Taxi,” two Grammys inspire his latest venture, and a Lifetime Achievement With his international The Bob James Art of Wine Award from the Smooth career firmly entrenched, Collection. Launched in Jazz Association of Bob James could live any- 2002 after a chance meeting America, and several Gold where in the world. with Australian beverage Records. But Traverse City is where entrepreneur Chris Payne, These days he spends the jazz pianist and compos- the signature collection fea- about half his time perform- er feels a creative vibe. tures James’ distinctive art ing in the U.S., Europe and “We like privacy, peace on its labels. Asia, and the other half and quiet,” said James, who So far the collection con- recording in various set- has vacationed in the area sists of three wines from tings. Never one to focus on for more than 20 years. “I Down Under, including a single project when he think there’s a feeling we “Smooth Chardonnay,” win- could be working on three get here, there’s an escape ner of a silver medal at the or four, he laid down tracks aspect to it.” first U.S. Starwine for a new album with his Since purchasing part of International Wine jazz super-group Fourplay the Long Lake retreat estate Competition in in February, the same of meat company magnate J. Philadelphia in March. But month he released another Ogden Armour in 1982, James said the boutique with his Bob James Trio. James and his wife, Judy, label plans to add vintages His latest solo recording, have been gradually reno- from New Zealand and Italy featuring guests including vating it to their satisfac- soon and will eventually Dave Koz on saxophone and tion. Now the spread seven encompass wines from all Chuck Loeb on guitar, miles southwest of Traverse over the world — including, debuted in 2002. City — originally just out- he’s hoping, one or two from In an effort to communi- buildings and a garden — northern Michigan. Record-Eagle/John L. Russell cate on a different creative has evolved to the point that For James, who personally Jazz composer Bob James plays in his Long Lake studio level, James also is a visual they call it their permanent tastes and approves each where he is currently working on “East Meets West.” artist whose digital works home. wine in the collection and have been featured in the pipa, a four-stringed recent years. “More and more it’s showcases them at his con- shows, on album covers and pear-shaped lute, and the “One possible benefit of becoming the kind of place certs, the project is as on his Web site, where his erhu, a two-stringed bowed old age is you’ve gotten we can’t stand to be away hands-on as any he’s been iris-giclee prints sell for up instrument. more exposure, a chance to from,” said James, 64. involved with. to $2,400. James hopes the unusual build up loyalty,” he said. One of the world’s best- “I’m in the middle of it, for While he’s now ambivalent “I’ve had a good career. I known composers of better or worse,” he said. sound will move audiences about his decision to go love what I do, I’m comfort- “smooth” jazz, James has Wholeheartedly is how not only in the U.S. and public with his art — “I’m able with the opportunities enjoyed an illustrious James also approaches his China, but in Japan, where not even sure that I didn’t career highlighted by more “other” current project, there’s already an interest PLEASE SEE PAGE 17 create a monster for than 30 albums, the hit East Meets West. in Chinese music. Inspired by a visit to the “I’m more excited about Bob James will headline a Shanghai Conservatory of this than I’ve been about benefit concert for the City Music, where he improvised anything in the last 10 Opera House Heritage with students of traditional years,” he said. “I’m hoping Association’s restoration Chinese instruments in that it will grow naturally, project at 8 p.m. June 11 in what he calls “the complete that in making music that Corson Auditorium at ultimate test of the univer- my ears love, that they will Interlochen. sal language,” the project respond to it the way I Restoration Recherche II came together in February. have.” also will feature smooth jazz That’s when James and five With or without the pro- saxophonist Kirk Whalum, of the musicians gathered at ject’s success, however, jazz violinist Regina Carter the People’s Radio Station James’ career shows no and the Bob James Trio. Recording Studio to record signs of winding down, General admission tickets several of his original com- thanks in part to a loyal jazz are $42; patron tickets are positions. audience that is less fickle $250 and $100 and include The result is a hybrid than its pop counterpart. If admission to special VIP Record-Eagle/John L. Russell Chinese jazz that blends anything, James said, he’s events. For more informa- Bob James and his wife, Judy, reside on Long Lake, tion, call 941-8082. James’ trademark piano gotten more and better where they are renovating their estate into a home. with exotic instruments like opportunities to perform in.