Bob James : Cool :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James & Earl Klugh - Cool
Released 1992

1. Movin' On
2. As It Happens
3. So Much In Common
4. Fugitive Life
5. Night That Love Came Back, The
6. Secret Wishes
7. New York Samba
8. Handara
9. Sponge, The
10. Terpsichore
11. San Diego Stomp
12. Miniature

Listen to Earl Klugh talk about Bob James

Personnel: Bob James (keyboards); Earl Klugh (guitar, programming); Paul Pesco (guitar); Ron Carter, Gary King (bass); Harvey Mason (drums); Leonard "Doc" Gibbs (percussion); Max Risenhoover, Michael Colina (programming). Recorded at Soundtrack Recording Studios, New York, New York. Bob James' outing with guitarist Earl Klugh takes the listener on an extremely relaxing journey on this 1992 release. James' soft-edged keyboards blend effortlessly with Klugh's acoustic guitar, while Harvey Mason maintains steady, soft percussion in the background, and bassist Gary King jams gently along. A true collaborative effort, all but two of the 12 tracks were composed by either James or Klugh, and they accompany one another throughout the recording. There are some top-notch arrangements, including Klugh's "The Sponge," "New York Samba," and James' "The Night That Love Came Back," which many listeners will find the perfect romantic backdrop.

"I First heard Bob on a Kenny Loggins album that he produced and performed on and I was hooked instantly, and from there I went out and bought everything that he was involved in. Bob is such an amazing composer, producer, pianist; he is in a class all by himself. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. Congratulations for your Lifetime Achievement Award." - Steve Oliver

"Bob James never ceases to amaze me. When I first met him he was sitting in front of a piano not looking at all like a pianist, so I didn't expect very much from him. Especially since he was about to accompany one of the greatest singers of our time, Ms. Sarah Vaughn, but when his hands touched that piano his brilliance became clearly evident. His musicianship reflected both his jazz and classical experience. He enhanced her performances beautifully. I later found him to be an incredible arranger who had a flair for pop music mixed with jazz and R&B. His recordings as a stable mate on CTI Records reflected a very listenable modern approach to jazz. As a producer he has created records that started a trend that transcends its time. As a member of the group Fourplay, Bob has once again shown his unlimited ability to adapt to any musical environment.

It is an honour to recognize Bob James as the first recipient of the George
Benson Lifetime Achievement Award." - George Benson

"Bob James embodies the exact type of musician I have always, and will continue to strive to be. He does it all : he plays, composes, arranges, produces, improvises, and does it all in a way that, while always staying creative and fresh, still connects with the hearts of every segment of the listening audience, whether they be sophisticated musicians or just lovers of good music. AND - on top of all that he is the most user friendly, down to earth, cool dude you'd ever want to be on the road with. Bob - you may be the recipient of a lifetime achievement award - but you got a lot of achieving left to do! Love ya" - Chuck Loeb