Vocalist, lyricist and composer José James has been leading jazz ensembles for the past ten years, expanding his vision of lyrical blues clarity and vocal improvisation excellence. A unique talent, he is quite simply one of the best jazz vocalists in the world today. Inspired by the vocalists Billie Holiday and Bobby McFerrin, the jazz writing of Jon Hendricks and Kurt Elling, and by the composer/saxophonist John Coltrane, Mr. James has consistently paid the deepest respect to the history of the music while evolving his personal artistic vision within it.
Jose James was honoured to perform at the Smithsonian Institutes Baird Auditorium in Washington D.C. as one of thirteen international semi-finalists in the 2004 Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocals Competition, leadin gan ensemble featuring George Duke on pino, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Carl Allen on percussion.
"Without doubt the most exciting young vocalist I've come across on years. This album is the real deal, sublime, beautifully crafted - it's real soul music. You just don't come across stuff like this every day. I can't wait for people to hear it!" Giles Peterson
