Bob James Trio Tickets

I had a seat in the center of the front row of the balcony for the recent Bob James Trio performance at the Miller Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reading, PA during the recently concluded Berks Jazz Fest. Fantastic performance, as usual from Bob James and the members of the trio. The acoustics in the Miller Center are phenomenal and the view looking down on the keyboard of the piano from where I sat, getting to watch Bob perform was great! They played a number of cuts from their new CD Espresso along with some older Bob James tunes including the Theme from Taxi and Westchester Ladies. I could have listend for hours more. Talking with Bob during a CD signing briefly after the performance I asked about future collaborative projects with Keiko Matsui... he said they're discussing getting together for another session. I can't wait!

Bob James is a musical genius, who presents his music in a most elegant form. The trio format benefits from drummer Billy Kilson whose musicianship is beyond belief. How he contorts himself to create his drum solos is hard to understand. Yet, when he is not featured, Kilson retreats into a gently supportive role, musically. The bass player, Palazollo is remarkable, as well. You leave wanting more. I understand the economics of touring, but would love to see this trio perform with a world-class orchestra backing it up.

I wanted to hear more of his music from the past (70's - 90's). I think he played to much music from his new album.