{"title":"Bob James","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBob James is one of the architects of smooth jazz and a cornerstone of jazz-funk and fusion. His lush arrangements, electric piano sound, and sophisticated grooves shaped the CTI era and influenced generations of producers — from \u003cem data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"422\"\u003eNautilus\u003c\/em\u003e to \u003cem data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"452\"\u003eAngela (Theme from Taxi)\u003c\/em\u003e. Explore our \u003cem data-start=\"466\" data-end=\"477\"\u003eBob James\u003c\/em\u003e vinyl collection, featuring original CTI and Tappan Zee pressings, collaborations with Earl Klugh, and essential reissues for collectors and sample hunters alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bob-james-one","title":"Bob James – One (1974 CTI Japan Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eReleased in \u003cstrong data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"454\"\u003e1974\u003c\/strong\u003e on \u003cstrong data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"489\"\u003eCTI Records Japan (SR-3365)\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"496\"\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e marked the beginning of \u003cstrong data-start=\"521\" data-end=\"536\"\u003eBob James’s\u003c\/strong\u003e solo career and set the tone for an entire era of jazz fusion and sophisticated groove. Recorded by \u003cstrong data-start=\"637\" data-end=\"656\"\u003eRudy Van Gelder\u003c\/strong\u003e and arranged and conducted by James himself, the album combines orchestral textures, electric funk rhythms, and pristine studio production — a blueprint for the CTI sound of the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003eJames’s electric keyboards glide across meticulously layered arrangements, joined by a stunning cast of session players including \u003cstrong data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"989\"\u003eSteve Gadd\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"1012\"\u003eIdris Muhammad\u003c\/strong\u003e on drums, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1036\"\u003eGary King\u003c\/strong\u003e on bass, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1046\" data-end=\"1071\"\u003eGrover Washington Jr.\u003c\/strong\u003e on soprano saxophone, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1113\"\u003eRalph MacDonald\u003c\/strong\u003e on percussion, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1133\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eThad Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1163\"\u003eLew Soloff\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eJon Faddis\u003c\/strong\u003e in the horn section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1558\"\u003eFrom the mysterious atmosphere of \u003cem data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1265\"\u003eValley of the Shadows\u003c\/em\u003e to the reimagined grandeur of \u003cem data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003eNight on Bald Mountain\u003c\/em\u003e and the sensual groove of \u003cem data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1370\"\u003eFeel Like Making Love\u003c\/em\u003e, the record balances sophistication with immediacy. The closing track, \u003cem data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1452\"\u003eNautilus\u003c\/em\u003e, with its deep, hypnotic bassline, went on to become one of the most sampled pieces in hip-hop history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1560\" data-end=\"1824\"\u003ePressed in Japan and housed in a beautiful \u003cstrong data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1622\"\u003egatefold sleeve\u003c\/strong\u003e, this edition exemplifies CTI’s signature high production values — lush sound, glossy presentation, and timeless style. \u003cem data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1748\"\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e remains both a jazz essential and a cornerstone of modern sample culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1214\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: VG+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CTI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42531280158779,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_4534_f3177b90-c3cf-49f8-a660-9ab0a87abf61.jpg?v=1760665127"},{"product_id":"bob-james-one-1978-japanese-cti-limited-edition-vinyl-lp","title":"Bob James - One (1978 Japanese CTI Limited Edition Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"1214\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e VG+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob James - One\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVinyl LP - Limited Edition Japanese CTI Reissue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob James' debut as a leader for CTI Records, \u003cem\u003eOne\u003c\/em\u003e established the keyboardist and arranger as a major force in 1970s fusion and jazz-funk. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio between February and April 1974 with an all-star cast and released in this limited edition Japanese pressing in 1978 as part of CTI's Original 1500 Series, the album showcases James' gifts as both a Fender Rhodes virtuoso and a sophisticated arranger capable of blending jazz improvisation with lush orchestration and infectious grooves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album opens with \"Valley Of The Shadows\", immediately establishing the CTI aesthetic: James' electric piano over Steve Gadd's crisp drumming, supported by strings, horns, and Ralph MacDonald's percussion. The production is immaculate, every element perfectly balanced in Rudy Van Gelder's engineering and producer Creed Taylor's vision of accessible, beautifully recorded jazz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"In The Garden\" and \"Soulero\" continue the fusion of jazz sophistication with pop accessibility. James' arrangements incorporate full string and horn sections (featuring jazz luminaries like Thad Jones, Jon Faddis, and Lew Soloff among the trumpeters) without ever sounding overly orchestrated or saccharine. His keyboard work balances technical facility with melodic clarity, influenced equally by bebop pianists and contemporary R\u0026amp;B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSide two opens with \"Night On Bald Mountain\", James' audacious jazz-funk reimagining of Modest Mussorgsky's classical composition. This track exemplifies the early 1970s fusion movement's ambition, taking a 19th-century Russian tone poem and transforming it into a vehicle for contemporary jazz improvisation. Steve Gadd's drumming here is particularly remarkable, his precision and musicality making complex rhythms sound effortless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Feel Like Making Love\", originally a Roberta Flack hit, receives an instrumental treatment that emphasises its romantic melody while adding jazz harmonic sophistication. The album closes with \"Nautilus\", which became one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history. Built on a hypnotic groove with Idris Muhammad replacing Gadd on drums, the track's infectious bass line (Gary King) and James' electric piano riff have been sampled by countless artists, making this one of the most culturally influential jazz-funk recordings of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe personnel throughout is exceptional. Beyond the rhythm section of King, Gadd, and Muhammad, the album features virtuoso trumpeter Jon Faddis, Count Basie Orchestra veteran Thad Jones, and studio guitarist Richie Resnicoff. The string section, featuring some of New York's finest classical musicians, adds lushness without overwhelming the jazz elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Japanese pressing, manufactured by King Record Co. Ltd. and distributed through their CTI partnership, represents the label's commitment to superior vinyl quality. Part of the CTI Original 1500 Series, this limited edition reissue offers the pristine sound quality essential to appreciating Van Gelder's engineering and the album's detailed arrangements. The CTI aesthetic of beautiful packaging and audiophile-quality pressing makes this an attractive edition for both James collectors and CTI completists.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CTI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43048567341115,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_6331.jpg?v=1772753777"},{"product_id":"bob-james-and-earl-klugh-one-on-one-1979-japanese-cbs-sony-gatefold-vinyl-lp","title":"Bob James And Earl Klugh - One On One (1979 Japanese CBS\/Sony Gatefold Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"1214\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob James And Earl Klugh - \u003cem\u003eOne On One\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVinyl LP - 1979 Japanese CBS\/Sony Master Sound 76 Gatefold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe collaboration between keyboardist\/producer Bob James and acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh resulted in this polished fusion album combining James' sophisticated arranging and Klugh's lyrical guitar work. Released in 1979 and pressed in Japan by CBS\/Sony as part of their Master Sound 76 series, this gatefold edition features James' lush orchestrations (including full string and horn sections), Harvey Mason's impeccable drumming, and Klugh's classical-influenced acoustic guitar on six compositions ranging from the opening \"Kari\" through the closing \"Winding River\". The result exemplifies late 1970s smooth jazz\/fusion at its most technically accomplished and commercially accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eJames' production and arrangements showcase his gifts for creating sophisticated yet accessible instrumental music, his Fender Rhodes electric piano and acoustic piano work providing harmonic foundation while string arrangements add cinematic sweep. Klugh's nylon-string acoustic guitar, influenced by both jazz and classical traditions, creates melodic lines that feel both improvised and carefully composed. The rhythm section of Harvey Mason on drums, Ralph MacDonald on percussion, and Eric Gale adding electric guitar on selected tracks provides both groove and sophistication, while the string section (including multiple violins, violas, and cellos) adds lushness without overwhelming the core trio sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis Japanese Master Sound 76 series pressing by CBS\/Sony represents premium manufacturing for the Japanese market, the gatefold format providing expanded presentation. The combination of James and Klugh proved commercially successful, leading to a Grammy win and establishing a template for smooth jazz that would dominate the 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CBS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43136455802939,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_5755.jpg?v=1768607612"},{"product_id":"bob-james-two-1978-japanese-cti-original-1500-series-lp","title":"Bob James - Two (1978 Japanese CTI Original 1500 Series LP)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e: EX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eNone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur grading system explained \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob James - \u003cem\u003eTwo\u003c\/em\u003e Vinyl LP - 1978 Japanese CTI Original 1500 Series Limited Edition Stereo Reissue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContains \"Take Me to the Mardi Gras\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the most sampled breakbeats in hip-hop history, alongside five further tracks ranging from Bizet to soul\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecorded at Van Gelder Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e December 1974 and January 1975, produced by Creed Taylor for CTI\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1978 Japanese CTI Original 1500 Series limited edition\u003c\/strong\u003e reissue manufactured by King Record Co. Ltd.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded at Van Gelder Studios in December 1974 and January 1975 and released on CTI in 1975, \u003cem\u003eTwo\u003c\/em\u003e is the second album Bob James made for producer Creed Taylor and the record that established his reputation beyond the jazz world entirely. James arranged and conducted the session himself, playing electric piano, clavinet, ARP Odyssey synthesiser and Yamaha YC30 organ across six tracks that move comfortably between jazz-funk groove, orchestral arrangement, and something approaching lush cinematic mood music. The most celebrated track, \"Take Me to the Mardi Gras\", is a cover of the Paul Simon song from \u003cem\u003eThere Goes Rhymin' Simon\u003c\/em\u003e (1973), transformed here into a Latin-inflected jazz-funk instrumental whose opening bars, a cowbell montuno pattern from Ralph MacDonald laid over Andrew Smith's drum break, became one of the most sampled four measures in hip-hop history, appearing in recordings by Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Missy Elliott among hundreds of others. The rest of the album is equally considered: \"Farandole\", drawn from Bizet's L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2, receives an eight-minute jazz orchestration; \"You're As Right As Rain\", written by Linda Creed and Thom Bell, is delivered with a lush, soulful restraint; and the closing \"Dream Journey\" demonstrates James's instinct for atmosphere over tempo. Eric Gale plays both guitar and bass across most of the record, with Steve Gadd replacing Andrew Smith on drums for \"The Golden Apple\" and Gary King taking the bass chair on the same track. The trumpet section of Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, John Frosk and Victor Paz, Hubert Laws on flute, and Eddie Daniels on solo clarinet give the arrangements a richness that sets these CTI recordings apart from the leaner fusion of the same period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased in Japan in 1978 on King Record Co. Ltd. as part of the CTI Original 1500 Series, a limited edition reissue run of the label's catalogue. King Record pressings of CTI material from this period are consistently sought by collectors, the combination of Van Gelder's mastering and King's quality control making them among the better ways to hear this music on vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CTI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43240099479611,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_6241.jpg?v=1772063335"}],"url":"https:\/\/lushliferecords.com.au\/collections\/bob-james.oembed","provider":"Lush Life Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}