My late father Joe Jorgensen was Bob James’ recording engineer from 1975-1990. They had a prolific and meaningful creative partnership for 15 years recording some of the greatest musicians at the best studios in New York City.
Joe would bring me to recording sessions in NYC at Mediasound, Powerstation, Soundmixers and CBS Studios when I was around 8 years old.
This is where I discovered my love of music and music production which has had a lifelong impact.
Mikael, left, at Mediasound Studios ca. 1979
Bob James & Mikael Jorgensen, October 2022, Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood CA
In October or 2022, Bob was playing at The Catalina Club in Hollywood, CA and on a lark I decided to go and see him after 30+ years.
On my drive home after the show I was struck that there wasn’t already book or documentary on Bob.
In a conversation with my friend and drummer Mario Calire I mentioned this glaring omission and he connected me to producer Greg Richling from the LA based production company Pfonetic. He had just finished “Immediate Family” the documentary follow-up to “The Wrecking Crew” directed by Denny Tedesco.
During our initial conversation, it didn’t take long for him to convince me that I should direct this documentary. I agreed, and here we are.
I feel fortunate and grateful to be in the position to make this film about a man whose music and presence have meant a lot to not only me and my family but the entire world.
In addition to Bob’s prolific 50+ solo records, and dozens of projects as an arranger/sideman, he’s the 2nd most sampled artist in hip-hop (James Brown being #1).
I’m looking forward to telling the story of this kid from Marshall, MO whose music mixed genres and crossed cultural boundaries in a way that could not be anticipated.
Bob James & Mikael Jorgensen
Photo: Janette Beckman