KOCH Records to Release Bob James' 'Live at Montreux' DVD In May 2005

NEW YORK (KOCH Records) - KOCH Records announces the release of "Live At Montreux," a new, live DVD that captures an amazing live performance of jazz musician Bob James. Despite a long, prolific and successful career, there isn't much video footage and live audio that exist of Mr. James. The DVD features James' performance in 1985 at the most highly regarded of the European Jazz Festivals -- Montreux. That year was an interesting and exciting time for James, who was just leaving a long and productive relationship with CBS Records, having recorded an astounding 15 albums there between 1977 and 1984. Upon his return from this European tour he went into the studio with David Sanborn where they recorded their Grammy award-winning album, "Double Vision," the first of what would turn out to be 14 albums for Warner Bros. Records by Bob James.

The European summer jazz festivals feature the most anticipated performances of any season and Montreux is the crown jewel of the circuit. The year 1985 alone included Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, the MJQ, Horace Silver Quintet and Leonard Cohen. Bob's group performed at Montreux Casino on July 17th. He had with him his friends, colleagues and frequent collaborators. Harvey Mason, on drums, still plays with Bob on record and on stage, most often now with their group, Fourplay. Kirk Whalum, then still in the early days of his career, continues to perform and record with Bob.
Most recently Kirk joined Bob's Trio of Billy Kilson and James Genus on stage in Bob's hometown of Traverse City, Michigan. The late Gary King, whose bass parts were the foundation of so many of Bob's recordings in the 1970s and 1980s, played that night and the crowd went wild! Dean Brown on guitar was then a regular in Bob's touring band and remained so throughout most of the '80s. Dean now tours with Marcus Miller and with his own group. Rounding out the group that night was Dennis Henderson on percussion. Henderson was a young player from Philadelphia who was introduced to the festival scene with this spectacular show! The performance by each band member was amazing, and so was the reaction of the enthusiastic crowd. One of the most impressive aspects of the show was the audience's reluctance to let the guys leave the stage.

It is hard to remember, with today's technology and the art recording capabilities in video and audio, that as late as the early '80s even professionals were challenged to get a great quality of audio that jazz fans demanded. This recording is an example of one of the most accomplished archives of the time. Bob himself was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Montreux Festival itself had recorded and preserved the night. As James recalls in the extensive liners, the evening was "one of the most memorable experiences of my career." Those who were there agreed and now those who missed the concert have the opportunity to enjoy the evening for themselves.