One – Bob James

Description

Jazz keyboardist Bob James’ debut solo LP, “One”, was released in April 1974. It reached #2 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and even crossed over to the US pop chart, where it peaked at #85. “One” soon became a cornerstone of the smooth jazz genre that swept America.
CTI released three singles from the album – James’ take on Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s ‘Night On Bald Mountain’, his version of Johann Pachelbel’s ‘In The Garden’ and a cover of Eugene McDaniels’ ‘Feel Like Making Love’ – the latter was the only chart entry, peaking at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Although he went on to enjoy success with subsequent albums, “One” had an enduring appeal. The advent of hip-hop saw producers and artists like Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest sample and incorporate James’ composition ‘Nautilus’ into their own songs. It is now one of the most sampled tracks in American music history.
Ace are delighted to reissue this classic album, not only for old school jazz and hip-hop heads, but a new generation ready to discover it.