MEET THE MAN
James “Bonzai” Caruso is a Six Time Grammy Winning Recording and Mix Engineer, Producer, Arranger, and Song Writer, with over three decades of experience working with high profile recording artists.
Bonzai started his career as a teenager, attending the world-renowned Institute of Audio Research in Greenwich Village, where he began honing his skills in NYC’s finest studios. By his early 20’s, he was already making a name for himself.
Bonzai was credited with creating new sounds with artist like Grand Master Flash, Melle Mell, Africa Bambatta, and Ice T, just to name a few. His mixing style caught the “ear” of producers and artists such as Sean “Puffy” Combs, Mary J. Blidge, Notorious B.I.G., Jodeci, Missy Elliot, and Faith Evans, C&C Music Factory, Madonna, NAS and several others.
Bonzai’s work on “Shy Guy” by Diana King led to a call from Stephen Marley, son of the late, great Bob Marley, and a collaborative musical relationship formed, that continues to this day. Together, they have collaborated on many chart-topping hits including : “Welcome to Jamrock” - Damian “Jr Gong” Marley. Stephen Marley’s debut Album, “Mind Control”, (also in an acoustic format). Nas and Damian Marley’s “Distant Relatives” album, Stephen Marley ”Revelation”, Damian Marley’s “Stone Hill” album and many more..
Bonzai’s work can also be heard on Chronixx “Chronology” album, Alicia Keys, Protoje’ Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu, Bette Midler, Lenny Kravitz, Cher, and the list goes on and on.
In addition to producing and mixing for artists, Bonzai composes original music for film and TV. Recently he has written music for several Independent Films, pieces for Phillip Morris, CMT, Adidas, and several soon to be released campaigns.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, …. Bonzai believes, His Best is Yet to Come….
DISCOGRAPHY
Below is a list of some of Bonzai's work as a Recording and Mix Engineer. The genres range from Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop, Rock and Dance. "I feel very blessed to have been a part of the making of these great recordings and 'looking forward to many more."
– Bonzai Caruso
Welcome To Jamrock (2 Grammy Awards)
Revelation, The Root of Life. (Grammy 2012)
Distant Relatives
Blessed to have worked on few tracks on this Grammy Nominated Album.
Miracle Worker
Welcome To Jamrock (Single)
Mind Control: Various Album Mixes (Grammy Award Winner 2007)
Mind Control Acoustic: Various Album Mixes (Grammy Award Winner 2009)
You and Me Attract (Single)
Bongo Nyah
Traffic Jam
Legend (2013 Remixes)