James “Bonzai” Caruso is a 4 time Grammy winning Recording Engineer, Producer, Arranger, and Song Writer, with over two decades of experience working with high profile recording artists.
Bonzai started his career in 1982, at the age of 17, when he attended the world-renowned Institute of Audio Research in Greenwich Village, New York City. During that same year, Bonzai landed an assistant engineer position at the legendary Secret Sound Studios in Manhattan. Within his first year on the job, he was the most requested staff member. This came as no surprise, given his vast knowledge of music and composition. Still in his teens, he was already a well-versed musician, having studied guitar and piano for 5 years.
Then there came a new technology. i.e.: The electronic drum machine, followed closely by the advent of Midi. Bonzai not only / merely mastered these devices, but started developing his own unique approach to utilizing these amazing electronic instruments in an emerging “Pop” industry.
Bonzai quickly made a name for himself, he was credited with not only a new sound, but with creating hit records with artists: Grand Master Flash, Melle Mell, Africa Bambatta, Ice T, just to name a few. His mixing style caught the “ear” of C&C Music Factory duo Clivilles and Cole, witch started a 5-year collaboration that produced dozens of gold and Platinum albums and singles. Bonzai’s reputation led Madonna’s management to ask him to work with her. He spent 6 months recording and mixing such mega hits as “Rain”, “Deeper and Deeper” and several others during her “Erotica” era. The success of these projects brought a call from a then, little known producer by the name of Sean “Puffy” Combs. Bonzai became Puffy’s first call for his projects including Mary J. Blidge, and Notorious B.I.G. All of these working relationships were not merely “client based”. Bonzai’s easy going personality, as well as his desire for perfection, and discipline to work undetermined hours a week in the studio, inevitably allowed a unique and professional friendship to ensue. This has been the case, to this day, with all his clients.
By the late 1990’s James “Bonzai” Caruso had acquired dozens of Gold and Platinum plaques, and an “A” list of high profile (and sometimes surprisingly loyal} clientele. He was at that time contacted by Stephen Marley, son of the late great Bob Marley, after Stephen heard one of Bonzai’s incredible mixes: “Shy Guy” by Diana King. A collaborative musical relationship formed, and continues to this day. Together, they have had many chart-topping hits, including the Platinum Album, “Welcome to Jamrock” {Damian “Jr Gong” Marley}, which also won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album AND a Grammy for Best Alternative Single (2005). Bonzai followed suit with Stephen Marley’s own debut Album, “Mind Control”, winning a Grammy in 2007. Together, they re-recorded that album in an acoustic format, winning yet another Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2009. Bonzai’s latest mega hit of 2010, is the “Distant Relatives” album with Nas and Damian Marley, currently holding the #1 position on two Billboard charts, and was the #1 download on iTunes for several days.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg……… Bonzai believes,
His Best is Yet to Come…….
