José James announces new album "Merry Christmas from José James"
José James will release his first ever Christmas album Merry Christmas from José James on November 19th. The contemporary album celebrates the holiday season while honoring classic jazz and pop records of the 1950s. Today James releases the first single, “My Favorite Things,” a joyful rendition of the John Coltrane staple. A 13 date tour to support the album will launch at SF Jazz in San Francisco on November 27th and conclude at New York’s City Winery on December 14th. Stops also include Seattle, Portland, Santa Cruz, LA, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Minneapolis and Chicago.
Listen to “My Favorite Things” here: rainbowblonde.co/myfavoritethings
Album cover, photo by Janette Beckman
Combining the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, “Merry Christmas from José James” raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas album. Covering 10 songs - including two originals by James and his partner Talia Billig - James breathes new life into much-loved holiday classics such as The Christmas Song, White Christmas and Let it Snow. In addition to showcasing his crooner chops, the 50 Shades Darker singer explores his jazz side with a joyful rendition of John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”
Accompanied by Grammy Award-winner Ben Williams (bass), Grammy nominated artists Aaron Parks (piano) and Marcus Strickland (saxophone) and rising-star Jharis Yokely (drums) “Merry Christmas from José James” is a world-class holiday experience from one of the greatest living voices in jazz.
Tour Dates
November 27 – SF Jazz – San Francisco, CA
November 28 – SF Jazz – San Francisco, CA
November 30 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA
December 1 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA
December 2 – The Old Church – Portland, OR
December 4 – Kuumbwa – Santa Cruz
December 5 – Masonic Lodge – Los Angeles, CA
December 7– MIM – Phoenix, AZ
December 9 –The Lensic – Santa Fe,
December 11 – Dakota – Minneapolis, MN
December 12 – Dakota – Minneapolis, MN
December 13 – City Winery – Chicago, IL
December 14 – City Winery – New York, NY