Bob James : One on One :Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James and Earl Klugh - One on One
Released 1979

1. Kari
2. Afterglow, The
3. Love Lips
4. Mallorca
5. I'll See You Smile Again
6. Winding River

Listen to Earl Klugh talk about Bob James

Personnel: Bob James (keyboards); Earl Klugh (guitar). Personnel include: Bob James (piano, keyboards); Earl Klugh (acoustic guitar); Eric Gale (guitar); Ron Carter (upright bass); Gary King (bass guitar); Harvey Mason (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion). Recording information: Media Sound, New York, NY (1979). ONE ON ONE marks the first team up between keyboardist Bob James and guitarist Earl Klugh. Unlike the later TWO OF A KIND or COOL, this 1979 collaboration really conveys the magical connection between these two fine jazz musicians. James and Klugh each composed three of the six tracks, and the result is an extremely well blended album. ONE ON ONE really delivers. James' compositional prowess shines on the Latin-tinged "Mallorca," where Klugh is allowed to show off some of his own fancy finger-work. Drummer Harvey Mason, electric bassists Gary King and Neil Jason, and acoustic bassist Ron Carter provide notable support. James downplays the orchestral counterpart that feature so prominently on his other '70s releases

"Bob is truly the pioneering voice in the world of Smooth Jazz piano playing. His thoughtful compositions and production values paved the way for virtually every contemporary Smooth Jazz keyboardist." Tom Grant

"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