Bob James – One (1974 CTI Japan Vinyl LP)

Released in 1974 on CTI Records Japan (SR-3365), One marked the beginning of Bob James’s solo career and set the tone for an entire era of jazz fusion and sophisticated groove. Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder 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.

James’s electric keyboards glide across meticulously layered arrangements, joined by a stunning cast of session players including Steve Gadd and Idris Muhammad on drums, Gary King on bass, Grover Washington Jr. on soprano saxophone, Ralph MacDonald on percussion, and Thad Jones, Lew Soloff, and Jon Faddis in the horn section.

From the mysterious atmosphere of Valley of the Shadows to the reimagined grandeur of Night on Bald Mountain and the sensual groove of Feel Like Making Love, the record balances sophistication with immediacy. The closing track, Nautilus, with its deep, hypnotic bassline, went on to become one of the most sampled pieces in hip-hop history.

Pressed in Japan and housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve, this edition exemplifies CTI’s signature high production values — lush sound, glossy presentation, and timeless style. One remains both a jazz essential and a cornerstone of modern sample culture.

Vinyl: EX
Sleeve: VG+
Obi: None

Our grading system explained here.

Photo is of the actual item.