José James - International Jazz Day at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

José James does not limit himself to the conventional boundaries of the “jazz” singer. Instead, he dives into exotic sounds from a pastiche of cultures from all around the world, both traditional and modern. The inspiration for his songwriting is drawn from a variety of sources – the Gnawan music of Morocco; the ’70s smooth soul/R&B sounds of Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye; a standard jazz riff; and today’s contemporary edge of electronica and hip-hop. His third album, No Beginning No End, is a reflection of all those influences coming together in a very personal vision that allows James to transcend musical categories with an inviting soulful sound...

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José James does not limit himself to the conventional boundaries of the “jazz” singer. Instead, he dives into exotic sounds from a pastiche of cultures from all around the world, both traditional and modern. The inspiration for his songwriting is drawn from a variety of sources – the Gnawan music of Morocco; the ’70s smooth soul/R&B sounds of Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye; a standard jazz riff; and today’s contemporary edge of electronica and hip-hop. His third album, No Beginning No End, is a reflection of all those influences coming together in a very personal vision that allows James to transcend musical categories with an inviting soulful sound. Currently working on his fourth album, Rising Sun on Blue Note Records, critics and fans alike eagerly await continued surprises from the rising star.

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