Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 227 - Fender Rhodes Electric Piano Masters: Overseas Edition Part III

Bob James: The Talented Arranger and Producer

This is the third part in my column series on Fender Rhodes electric piano masters.

The featured keyboard player this time, as in the previous part, is Bob James.
I will focus on his relationship with the Fender Rhodes piano from his perspective as an arranger and producer—a musician who takes a broad, bird’s-eye view of music.

As an arranger, Bob James has worked on albums for musicians from the East Coast scene, including Grover Washington Jr., Hank Crawford, and Eric Gale.
As a producer, he has extended his reach beyond jazz into rock, producing artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Steve Khan, and Kenny Loggins.

He has also composed soundtracks for television programs.
Bob James’ music is not limited to jazz—he incorporates classical phrases and bridges as well. His music, influenced by a broad range of genres, strongly reflects his producer-like qualities, never pushing his own performance to the forefront.
Even in his improvisations, Bob maintains a restrained, cool aesthetic, a trait that underlies all of his music. I believe this is the essence of Bob James.

In the 1990s, he formed the band Fourplay with top-tier musicians Nathan East, Lee Ritenour, and Harvey Mason. Although there have been changes in the guitarist lineup, the group continues to this day, with Bob James still actively playing at full capacity.

■ Recommended Album: Bob James & Till Brönner - On Vacation (2020)

A duo album, a format Bob James excels in. He has previously collaborated with David Sanborn and Earl Klugh, both of which resulted in Grammy-winning albums.
This album was created with trumpeter Till Brönner, an avid Chet Baker enthusiast. Brönner, who plays both trumpet and sings, has a style reminiscent of Baker and cites Baker’s 1974 album She Was Too Good to Me as a major influence.
Throughout the album, the Fender Rhodes electric piano plays a significant role. While the acoustic piano takes the lead, the Rhodes piano adds depth to the compositions. Bob James understands how the presence of Rhodes chords can give a piece a fuller, richer sound.
The theme of the album is vacation, and the warm, smooth tone of the Rhodes piano was essential in creating a resort-like, relaxed atmosphere. His experience as an arranger and producer undoubtedly played a role in this effective use of the Rhodes piano.

This album was released in 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic and a time of widespread social unease.
The recording took place in a studio inside a manor house in Provence of southern France, and the relaxed mood of the setting comes through in the music. I personally found great solace in the album’s sense of tranquility and relaxation during those difficult times.

Recommended Song: “On Vacation”

The track begins with a light four-beat groove, smoothly leading into the trumpet’s entrance. Bob’s acoustic piano interjects tastefully, and as Till Brönner’s vocals layer in, a whole world is created. The Rhodes piano provides the backing, polishing the trumpet’s lead melody.
The Rhodes piano solo, built on restrained phrases, is quintessential Bob James.
The entire album maintains an understated, unpretentious musical concept, offering listeners a deep sense of peace.

■ Recommended Album: Fourplay - X (2006)

This is Fourplay’s tenth album, released in 2006.
Originally, the band’s guitarist was Lee Ritenour, but due to his busy schedule, Larry Carlton stepped in as the second guitarist. This album features the second lineup.
The performances are polished and sophisticated, reaching a level that only these seasoned musicians could achieve. The songwriting process included contributions from all four members, which is likely one reason for the band’s longevity.
Notably, the album includes a cover of Steve Winwood’s “My Love’s Leavin’”, featuring vocals by Michael McDonald. While incorporating vocal tracks is a common strategy for bands of this style, this choice may have been influenced by Bob James’ producer instincts.

Recommended Song: “Sunday Morning”

This track showcases Bob James’ arranger and producer sensibilities. At first glance, it seems like a simple, beautifully melodic piece, but the intro alone features six different keyboard sounds, including the Rhodes piano.
One might wonder if so many layers were necessary, yet each sound is meticulously organized. The intro features the Rhodes piano, an analog synth-like juicy sound, a flute-like sine wave, an SE sound with insect-like vibrato, a crushed metallic bell tone, and more—all enhancing the Rhodes piano’s presence rather than overshadowing it.
This layered approach reveals Bob James’ skill as both a keyboardist and an arranger.
Although the track is primarily driven by Larry Carlton’s guitar, multiple keyboard tones—including FM synth electric piano, pad sounds, strings, and soft brass—are seamlessly integrated throughout.
The interwoven melodies of Carlton’s guitar and Bob’s Rhodes piano create a uniquely rich sound world, made all the more striking by Bob’s meticulous keyboard arrangements.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artists: Bob James, Till Brönner, Larry Carlton, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and others
• Albums: On Vacation, X
• Recommended Tracks: “On Vacation”, “Sunday Morning”

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