KOCH Records To Release Bob James' 'The Essential Collection: 24 Smooth Jazz Classics' On July 12, 2005

NEW YORK (KOCH Records) - KOCH Records is thrilled to announce the July 12th release of "The Essential Collection: 24 Smooth Jazz Classics," a 2-CD chronological overview of legendary smooth jazz artist and multiple Grammy Award winner Bob James.

During his long and prolific career, James has released over 25 solo albums and a whole host of collaborations with such luminaries as Grover Washington, Jr., Hank Crawford, Earl Klugh, David Sanborn, and many others, all in addition to the many successes of his all-star band Fourplay.

James has sold millions of records since being discovered by the great Quincy Jones in 1963, and this collection showcases his artistry at a special time in his career with his original work with Creed Taylor and his groundbreaking work at his own label, Tappan Zee Records.
The focus on material originally released from 1974 through 1984 clearly differentiates "The Essential Collection" from 2001's "Restoration" anthology release, which features more of his later recordings.

Track List:

Disc 1:
1. Night on Bald Mountain
2. Feel Like Making Love
3. Nautilus
4. Farandole (L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2)
5. Take Me To Mardi Gras
6. Women of Ireland
7. Westchester Lady
8. Where The Wind Blows Free
9. Heads
10. Night Crawler
11. Kari

Disc 2:
1. Angela (Theme From "Taxi")
2. Touchdown
3. Blue Lick
4. Shepherd's Song
5. Thoroughbred
6. Reunited
7. Sign Of The Times
8. Spunky
9. Miranda
10. Marco Polo
11. Ruby Ruby Ruby
12. Ensenada Madness
13. Brooklyn Heights Boogie