Since his arrival on the international scene in 2008 vocalist José James has consistently dazzled critics and audiences alike with his deft combination of soul, hip-hop and jazz.
Using his musical mentors John Coltrane, Marvin Gaye and Billie Holiday as compasses, he continues to successfully blur the lines between musical genres through his love of connecting to audiences worldwide and in the sheer joy of creation.
Blessed with a warm rich baritone reminiscent of artists of the caliber of Terry Callier, Jon Lucien and Gil-Scott Heron, José has toured internationally at venues such as the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Vitoria Jazz Festival, Billboard Live Tokyo, Centro Cultural Sao Paolo, the Hermitage St. Petersburg, Central Park Summerstage New York and London's Royal Festival Hall.
Signed to Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings, his debut album "The Dreamer" was released in 2008 to worldwide acclaim, including 21 of JazzTimes Top 50 Jazz Albums of 2008.
As a recording artist and guest vocalist José has worked with Junior Mance, Chico Hamilton, Gilles Peterson, Bassment Jaxx, Nicola Conte, Toshio Matsuura, Elan Mehler, The Heritage Orchestra, SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS, Jazzanova, Flying Lotus, Christian McBride, J.A.M., Robert Mitchell, Jazzy Sport and Simbad.
Discography
"I thought singers like this didn't exist anymore, I was wrong,
José James is here to remind us why we love music so much!"
- Gilles Peterson
"Just when you think that real voices are gone and replaced by synthesized vocoders or perfectly melodined melodies, comes a real voice. A voice who's texture, tone and timbre seem to trace the history of real jazz greats. A voice that when you hear it, you know that's what defines the word voice. Ladies and Gents José James"
- King Britt
"José James is the real deal! He has the voice, poise, charisma,
and stage presence. All the ingredients... making him the most exciting singer I've heard in a long time!!"
I am absolutely convinced: what I've heard from you is the best (male) vocal jazz I've heard for years. Thanks to a german radio station playing your song recently.
I'm diggin the new track!! Now this is really making me want you to hurry up and put out your next CD!! I know it's gonna be amazing!! I'm still "steppin lightly" ; ). I love that song! I hope it's on your new CD. I see there's hope of you performing here soon. I see you're going to be in Detroit. It's not close, but it's not NYC either lol. This gives me hope cause we have a jazz festival every year too. Well, as always just passing thru to see if you put up some new stuff. I love "Lay You Down". JJ you're amazing!! Take care and keep that beautiful music coming "Scat Daddy"! Laterz....V
OH YES - Little Dragon, Ebony Bones, MC Xander, Jamie Woon, Polarbear, Kate Tempest, Joe Driscoll, Sound of Rum, Pearl Apollo, United Vibrations, and DJ John Hendicott all at OneTaste in Hyde Park THIS SUNDAY - FREE ENTRY!!
All info: http://moneypennypromotions.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/21st-june-onetaste-in-hyde-park/
Hey! I'm diggin "Love" and "Lay You Down", nice!! I finally put up my first single from my EP; check it out when you get a chance...the rest will be up soon.:)
Online Now!
