Armed with an EP of demos, including a blazing vocal cut of John Coltrane's 'Equinox' and an impressive self-penned song aptly entitled "The Dreamer," José James met up with Blacktronica's Charlie Dark and at Cargo managed to slip a copy of the EP to Gilles Peterson. Only twenty eight, José has pursued the jazz grail and has recently been touring all over Europe and Japan, while holding down the Giant Step-presented monthly the Brownswood Sessions.

Channeling the voice of Gil Scott Heron, José James brings a fresh voice to jazz with his debut album, The Dreamer (out on Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings). As a potent composer and songwriter, he has adroitly mastered re-interpretations like "Park Bench People," from 90's rap collective, Freestyle Fellowship, as well as his own compositions. Praise for José James and The Dreamer:

"This is a five-star, totally delicious—and for someone who'd just about given up on jazz vocalists, unexpected—smash of a debut" -- Chris May, All About Jazz

"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!!" -- Junior Mance

José James  |  José James MySpace