The amazing cross-genre talent that is José James is back in the UK soon for 2025 live appearances: 6th July at Love Supreme Jazz Festival in East Sussex, and 8th July for two shows – 6.30pm & 9.30pm – at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London.
José will be performing tracks from many of his dozen LPs, including from his most recent album release, the acclaimed “1978”. The internationally acclaimed jazz singer for the hip-hop generation, released “1978” on Rainbow Blonde Records, named after the year he was born in Minneapolis.
It features collaborations with Brazilian rising star and Latin Grammy-nominee Xênia França, as well as Congolese Belgian rapper/filmmaker Baloji.
Produced by José James and featuring an all-star ensemble including Grammy nominees Pedrito Martinez (Camilla Cabello, Eric Clapton), Marcus Machado (who has played with Robert Glasper and Anderson .Paak), Chad Selph (Lalah Hathaway, Bilal,) and David Ginyard (Solange, Blood Orange).
The album successfully captures the sounds of the ‘70s, an era where jazz, soul, disco, and hip-hop fused together and filled the shimmering night clubs across the country. Five years in the making, “1978” emerges as José’s most autobiographical work yet, pulsating with the socially conscious party and politics vibes of ‘70s luminaries.
“For Trayvon” is a poised tribute to Trayvon Martin. “38th & Chicago” expresses José’s outrage and heartbreak surrounding the murder of George Floyd. Despite its infectious beat and hook, the lyrics comprise a wrenching protest anthem, with a title that references the Minneapolis intersection where George Floyd was murdered, just blocks from where José grew up.
After recent recordings found the forward looking singer paying tribute to such iconic singer/songwriters as Billie Holiday, Bill Withers and Erykah Badu, José James has returned to a self-focused project relying on his songwriting, bandleading, and for the first time since 2008’s “The Dreamer”, entirely his own production skills.
“There’s a different focus on the Funk and Latin side that’s never been there before, and this is also the first time I’ve really married my hip-hop hop, Mad lib-like sensibility with jazz and my own song writing, all into one, coherent whole. I’ve experimented with this idea before, but now it’s all come together in a way I’m truly satisfied with,” says José.
Besides Marvin Gaye, José points to the influence of Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson as well. “I allowed myself to explore the use of synthesizers more than ever before, and also work on adding ‘ear candy’ to many of the tracks — really putting the studio to work…Michael’s ‘Off the Wall’, with Quincy’s amazing production, helped inspire ideas for 1978.”
José James’s “1978” draws its power from both a timeless relevancy and a deep sense of he personal. It is a richly layered musical statement connecting both to the present day, and to past sounds and styles as well — a sincere and seductive valentine to his love of jazz, soul and hip-hop.
Jose James’ “Track Record”
1. First song you recall hearing as a child?
“God Bless The Child” by Billie Holiday.
2. First single you owned?
José James: “Desire” (Moodymann Remix).
3. First LP/album you owned?
Prince: “Purple Rain”.
4. First CD you owned?
Nirvana: “Nevermind”.
5. Last music you bought and in what format (CD/vinyl/digital download)?
José James: “The Dreamer” – 10th Anniversary LP [As a gift].
6. Which album would you be happy to receive as a gift?
John Coltrane – “A Love Supreme”.
7. Favourite album? (Choose more than one if need be…)
Marvin Gaye: “I Want You”.
8. Best record ever made (can be single/album/EP – and choose more than one if need be)?
Michael Jackson: “Thriller”.
9. Guilty secret (or anything unusual or perhaps unexpected) in your music collection?
Well, I lost my entire collection in the Eaton Fire. But James Blake: “200 Press (1-800 Dinosaur)”.
[The Eaton Fire was a wildfire in Los Angeles County, Southern California which began on January 7th, 2025, in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, and a powerful Santa Ana wind event drove the fire into foothill communities. The fire killed at least 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, and it is the second most destructive wildfire in California history and burned for 24 days.]
10. What does music mean to you and how does it make you feel?
Music is the healing force of the universe. It is the expression of human spirit and emotion that transcends time and space.
11. Which song or album is a guaranteed mood booster?
Stevie Wonder: “Talking Book”.
12. Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
Miles Davis: “Kind Of Blue”.
13. Your favourite driving track – or music to exercise to?
Jharis Yokley: “Sometimes, Late At Night”.
14. Best song or album for a romantic moment?
D’Angelo: “Voodoo”.
15. Which song was played for the “First Dance” at your wedding (if you are married) or which song would you choose if you did get married?
We didn’t do a first dance, but I recommend: “I Found A Love” by Taali.
16. Your choice of song to sing at karaoke?
In Japan “Live Your Fantasy”, otherwise anything by Frank Sinatra.
17. Which song takes you back to your childhood – and to which specific memory/memories?
Michael Jackson: “Smooth Criminal.” I saw that tour in Minneapolis when I was 10 and it was amazing.
18. Favourite band (or bands)?
Nirvana; for life.
19. Favourite singer (or singers)?
Marvin Gaye.
20. Which song would you like played at your funeral?
John Cage: “4’33”.
Photos by Jannette Beckman
