Greetings
This is a way overdue updated newsletter so I'll keep it short & sweet.
Most of 2008 has been devoted to Fourplay. We had a great time back in the studio in L.A. recording our new CD, "Energy" - out now on Heads Up International. We are delighted in the way our new company is taking care of us. It's been terrific to be out on the road to see so many of our fans - we're continuing throughout the U.S., on to Mexico and, for our last live dates of 2008, going to Mozambique.
A highlight of 2008 was my trip to India with the Monk Institute. You know I love to travel to far-off lands and it was my first trip there. Even more special to share it with longtime friends and colleagues, Patti Austin, Earl Klugh and Denise Waichunas and a new friend, a wonderful young pianist, Helen Sung.
This trip was made even more special and memorable by my meeting with Ravi Shankar. He is truly one of the most influential musicians of the last century, and I felt honored to be in his presence. 
Helen Sung & I improvised a new piece which we dedicated to him, based on the musical notes derived from the letters in his name. The joy of meeting him will stay with me always.
I am ending 2008 with two very special events and projects.
The first is the opportunity to finally appear with my beloved Angels of Shanghai in Shanghai. It has long been my dream to show their home city what these extraordinary musicians have accomplished and how they have matured from the young kids (really) that I first met at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
The second is closer to home, literally. My daughter, Hilary, and her husband, producer and pianist, Kevin DiSimone and I have produced a Christmas CD for Koch Records, 'Christmas Eyes.' Hilary & Kevin wrote the title vocal track. We had a wonderful time working on this CD, it is my very first Christmas CD, after all these years. Most of the tracks are just Hilary, Kevin and I but we do have our dear friends and colleagues, Billy Kilson, James Genus and Chuck Loeb on three new arrangements of mine. Dave Koz graciously agreed to play on the title cut - he hooked it up!
The Christmas CD is out already - we'd love to hear what you think!
A lovely way for the James family to start off holiday season, 2008.Keep listening and enjoy the music!!
Bob James
October 2008