“eclectic, groove-minded jazz singer” – NPR
With:
Jahari Stampley, piano
Kanoa Mendenhall, bass
Otis Brown III, drums
“Merry Christmas from José James” raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas show. James combines the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. Further, James breathes new life into much-loved holiday classics such as “The Christmas Song”, “White Christmas” and “Let it Snow”. Moreover, the show will feature new compositions by James and his partner Talia Billig. In addition to showcasing his crooner chops, the 50 Shades Darker singer explores his jazz side. The show includes a joyful rendition of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”
A jazz artist for the hip-hop generation, James artfully blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, pop and rock. Also, he has released eleven critically acclaimed albums in as many years. Further, James is the recipient of both the Edison Award and L’Académie du Jazz Grand Prix. He has collaborated with many notable artists like Flying Lotus, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, Aloe Blacc and Jason Moran.
Jahari Stampley is a Chicago-born pianist who began playing the piano at the age of fourteen. Within two years of exploring the instrument, he began winning various competitions. Then, by the age of eighteen, he became recognized and followed by many world-renowned musicians. These include Yebba Smith, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Jacob Collier, Stanley Clarke, and Derrick Hodge, among others. Additionally, Jahari has toured with Stanley Clarke and is featured on Derrick Hodge’s Color of Noise album.
Recommended for fans of Robert Glasper, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lizz Wright and Christian McBride.
📸: Janette Beckman
