Best Collaboration
Daman | Subang Jaya, Selangor Malaysia | 12/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was aptly recorded when both artists were at their peak. Bob James coming from the success of Touchdown where he assembled the best of New York sessionists. A few years before he could also be heard playing the keyboards on Roberta Flack's hit "Feel Like Making Love". Earl Klugh was already a prolific guitarist then. His first 3 albums produced by the Dave Grusin/Larry Rosen team was the best combination of fusion (jazz, reggae, contemporary, funk) ever recorded; Laughter in the Rain, Living Inside Your Love and Finger Paintings. He recorded One on One with Bob James after the success of his debut production of Heart Strings.Back to One on One. This is the cleanest album ever recorded and I am of the opinion that it was mastered digitally. I have it on vinyl since 1980 and the CD version could sound better.The supporting musicians here, Harvey Mason (drum), Ron Carter (acoustic bass), Ralph McDonald (percussion), Gary King (electric bass\, Eric Gale (electric guitar), and Neil Jason (electric bass) were well represented in each of the 6 pieces.One on One demonstrated the value of music in terms of the following;- the outstanding contribution of each aupporting musician with emphasis by the two.
- the superb rendition of the strings/winds ensemble.
- excellent composition by the two (Earl composed the odd number tracks and Bob the even)
- the beautiful sound of the forgotten Fender Rhodes which is now replaced by the high pitched and surrealistic Yamaha and Kawai keyboards
- quality interior and exterior album package This album won the 1979 Grammy awards for best jazz album and album cover (if I am not mistaken). This is a very enjoyable album and the best collaborative effort by any 2 musicians. Pay particular attention to Kari, Love Lips, Mallorca and I'll Never See You Smile Again.One on One has been a benchmark for me as far as collaborative effort is concerned. The Bob James/David Sanborn and Earl Klugh/George Benson efforts were good but not as good as this!Happy listening and you won't regret it."
Sublime
Daman | 05/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the perfect collaboration. James and Klugh go together like peanut butter and jelly and One on One is their apex. Every track is magnificent making this one of those rare discs that is flawless from start to finish. I don't understand why this classic is only available as an import CD. Get it before it is no longer available at all!"
