Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 226 - Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Masters: Overseas Edition Part II

A Representative Fender Rhodes Player: Bob James

In the previous post, I continued my special feature on Fender Rhodes electric piano players.
This time, our focus is on Bob James.
Bob James, born in 1939 in Missouri, USA, is a keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer with an extensive range of musical talents.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with an impressive lineup of musicians, including George Benson, Quincy Jones, Chet Baker, Grover Washington Jr., Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, and Eric Gale.

He has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, and notably won in 1980 for One on One (a duet album with Earl Klugh) and in 1986 for Double Vision (a duet album with David Sanborn).

Beyond his musical achievements, Bob James also contributed to the recovery efforts in Ōfunato, an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. He visited the region and mentored a local big band, demonstrating his deep compassion and humanitarian spirit.

■ Recommended Album: Bob James - Touchdown (1978)

Released in 1978 under Tappan Zee Records, this was Bob James’s sixth album, if counting his releases with CTI Records led by Creed Taylor. His previous album, Heads, topped the Billboard Jazz Albums chart in 1978, firmly establishing his reputation. Touchdown followed with strong success, reaching #3 on the charts.
The album features an all-star lineup, including: Hiram Bullock (Guitar), Gary King (Bass), Hubert Laws (Flute), David Sanborn (Saxophone), Earl Klugh (Guitar), Eric Gale (Guitar), Steve Gadd (Drums), Ralph MacDonald (Percussion), and Ron Carter (Bass).
This album can be described as refined and well-structured.
The musicians, all top-tier artists, faithfully execute Bob James’s carefully crafted musical vision with controlled yet expressive performances.
Bob James himself delivers a performance that is precise and deliberate, avoiding unnecessary embellishments.

Recommended Song: “Angela”

Composed as the theme song for the TV show Taxi, “Angela” is a perfect showcase of the Fender Rhodes sound. The melody emerges over a lush Rhodes piano backdrop, fully capturing the Bob James aesthetic. It feels as if Bob James knew that only the Fender Rhodes could deliver the expressive quality needed for this kind of melody. Indeed, no other keyboard instrument matches the Rhodes in its ability to ‘sing’ these lines.
The subtle guitar solo is also beautifully complemented by the Fender Rhodes’s obligato.
Additionally, the gentle touch of synthesizer lines blends seamlessly into the overall ensemble.
As a student, I used to wake up to Angela every morning. Even now, I vividly remember the refreshing feeling of starting the day with the sound of the Fender Rhodes.

■ Recommended Album: Chet Baker - She Was Too Good to Me (1974)

Released in 1974, this Chet Baker album was produced by Creed Taylor.
The album features a lineup of first-call session musicians of the time: Chet Baker, Bob James, Steve Gadd on drums, Ron Carter on bass, and Paul Desmon on alto saxophone!
Since the album was produced by Creed Taylor, the use of the Fender Rhodes instead of an acoustic piano makes perfect sense.
It aligns with the sonic aesthetic of that era, where the Rhodes sound was deeply embedded in the musical landscape.
Although Bob James primarily played a supporting role on this album, his Fender Rhodes performance stands out in remarkable ways. His phrasing and articulation showcase his deep understanding of the unique characteristics of the Rhodes.

Recommended Song: “Autumn Leaves”

Hearing “Autumn Leaves” performed on a Fender Rhodes is relatively uncommon. However, Bob James, being a master of the Rhodes, delivers an exceptional performance on this electric piano.
In this rendition of the jazz standard, Bob James energetically drives the band, pushing Chet Baker to respond with an equally fiery trumpet solo.
This track convinced me that the Rhodes and trumpet make an incredibly effective pairing. On this track, we don’t hear the restrained, cool Chet Baker of his earlier years. Instead, Paul Desmond seems to take on that role, offering a more laid-back approach. Even so, Desmond’s playing here has a bop-influenced, straight-ahead quality that differs from his usual light touch. Following Desmond’s solo, Bob James launches into a smooth yet dynamic Rhodes solo.
Listening to the smooth flow of Bob’s Rhodes solo, I can’t help but feel as if the bright future of jazz is encapsulated within it. The timeless standard Autumn Leaves transforms into something fresh and new.
Although the track is based on a classic 4-beat jazz feel, it never fully leans into tradition—perhaps because Bob’s Fender Rhodes is there, subtly reshaping the entire atmosphere.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artists: Bob James, Till Brönner, Chet Baker, David Sanborn, Steve Gadd, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond and others
• Albums: Touchdown, She Was Too Good to Me
• Recommended Tracks: “Angela”, “Autumn Leaves”

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