The sound of James Webb, music’s next big star

What do physics professor James Webb and Enrique Iglesias have in common?

They both have cut a record with Keith Morrison, a 2009 Latin Grammy nominee with whom Webb worked on an original track called “Grand Scheme of Things” on the suggestion of his guitarist friend Scott Emmons.

The budding singer-songwriter and the seasoned producer met over the course of five sessions during which Webb had to lay vocals “sometimes 30 times before Keith found the one that he liked.” With the song, the professor ponders the role astronomy plays in answering that timeless question: Why are we here?

“Tell us why / We need to know why” is at the heart of his song, and it’s something about which Webb, like a good scientist, is still very much curious.

“I don’t have an answer,” he said when we met in his office in the CP building at Modesto A. Maidique Campus. “With religion you take someone’s word for it, but with astronomy you search for those answers. So while we don’t have answers, with astronomy at least we know where we are and it’s pretty nice.”

The professor and director of the SARA Observatory has been a member of the FIU faculty since 1991. He understands the power of music as a teaching tool. A fan of the Beatles, the Eagles and Yes – “pretty much ’60s and ’70s rock” – Webb plays original compositions in classes such as Introductory Solar System, which he’s teaching this summer. He also has self-produced a 16-track CD that he distributes to students who want them.

“They love [the music], especially the live concerts at the Star Parties I host,” he said. “I can’t believe it when they ask me to play more for them.”

Webb’s student reviews speak for themselves.

One of the evaluation comments he received at the end of the spring said, “I liked the class a lot. I have a deep appreciation for astronomy and this class reinforced that feeling. It was cool how you combined astronomy with music. Keep rockin’, man!”

Another recognized Webb’s enthusiasm, while another pointed out he “isn’t afraid of anything.” Not even putting himself out there as a singer-songwriter.

Morrison seconds the opinions of these Panthers.

“Jim is very intelligent and very cultured,” the Homestead-based producer said. Like many scientists, he’s also very creative. He’s extremely musical, and he is also very engaging and interesting and fun.”

Click here to listen to more of Webb’s music, including some of his quasar music, which he composed on his computer by taking light fluctuations and converting the high brightness levels into notes.

Webb’s next Star Party is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, July 8, in CP 145 (virgin margaritas and key lime pie will be served. Telescopes will be set up for observation, weather permitting, but the party will be held rain or shine. Webb also performs every Wednesday at the café at Barnes & Noble at FIU, from 5-6:30 p.m.