José James release 38th & Chicago, first single from forthcoming album 1978
JAMES’ SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS SONG IN MEMORY OF GEORGE FLOYD FEATURES PEDRITO MARTINEZ, MARCUS MACHADO, CHAD SELPH & JHARIS YOKLEY
José James, the internationally-acclaimed jazz singer for the hip-hop generation announces 38th & Chicago, the first single from his forthcoming album 1978. Named after the intersection in James’ hometown Minneapolis where George Floyd was tragically murdered in 2020, the song is an exploration of faith, sorrow and perseverance in the face of police brutality against the Black community.
“It’s close,” James explains. “Too close. I grew up a few blocks from there and had my first concert down the street at Powderhorn Park. I’ve walked by that store a million times, that could have easily been me.”
James is no stranger to socially conscious music. In 2015 he and Rainbow Blonde Records president Talia Billig created the protest video Peace Power Change along with fellow creatives Robert Glasper, Keyon Harold and Rich Medina. That same year saw the Blue Note Records release of “Yesterday I Had the Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday” which featured a haunting version of “Strange Fruit.” In 2020 he released “When They See Us” - originally intended for Ava DuVernay’s acclaimed drama of the same name - in solidarity with the families, activists, protesters and communities actively working to end police brutality and systemic racism against the Black community.
Musically, 38th & Chicago represents a new departure for James and an investigation of his Afro-Latin heritage. Produced by James and featuring an all-star ensemble including Grammy nominees Pedrito Martinez (Camilla Cabello), Marcus Machado (Daniel Ceasar) and David Ginyard (Blood Orange), the song combines Latin Jazz, soul and R&B into a powerful plea for change.
The full album “1978”, set for release on April 4, 2024, pulsates with the socially conscious feel-good vibes of Marvin Gaye, Prince and Stevie Wonder. James also skillfully explores the boundaries of Black music beyond his own backyard, featuring Brazilian rising star and recent Latin Grammy nominee Xenia França as well as the Congolese-Belgian rapper/filmmaker Baloji.
The project will premiere live on January 13th, 2024 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg as part of NYC Winter Jazz Fest. For a full list of tour dates visit www.josejamesmusic.com.