Interview: José James on new album, career ups and downs, upcoming plans and more

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

This Friday, longtime jazz, R&B, hip-hop musician José James is releasing his 13th release, 1978: Revenge Of The Dragon, via his own independent record label, Rainbow Blonde Records.

The genre-blurring album, fusing the raw energy of punk with jazz, soul, funk and disco, was recorded live to tape in one take at Dreamland Studios—a restored 19th-century church near Woodstock, New York.

He is also on the road supporting the release, which includes a stop in Cincinnati, Ohio this Thursday, May 15 at Caffe Vivaci (975 E McMillan St, Cincinnati 45206) for two shows: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. (See details here.)

James took time out for this OOTB interview to discuss the new record, performing for Aretha Franklin, LA wildfires personal impact, plans including an upcoming Jazz book and more.

How did you decide on combining your interest in Kung Fu with your birth year for your upcoming album—and how are the works and approach on this record different from your previous releases since 2008?

1978 is the peak year of Kung Fu cinema. So many great films came out that year: The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Five Venoms, Drunken Master. Culturally, the late ‘70s were dominated by disco and Kung Fu/Blaxploitation films, so I wanted to pay homage. Some of the soundtracks of these films are just fantastic—funk, jazz and avant garde compositions.

What’s your favorite track on 1978: Revenge of the Dragon and why that song?

Probably “Tokyo Daydream” because it was super fun to write and to perform. It's a disco song, co-written with the best in the business, Grammy-nominated songwriters Kaveh Rastegar and Taali who also guests on it. I love Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album, so this is my take on that.

After a live performance, what do you hope fans take away from your show?

I want them to feel inspired and to know that they just witnessed something that will never happen again. That's the spirit of Jazz—creating something unique and unforgettable, sharing the moment together to promote peace and harmony. People make friends at my shows, fall in love, get married. It's wild man.

Reflecting through the years, thus far, in your opinion, what’s been the highest point of your career?

There have been quite a few! Singing for Aretha Franklin's 70th Birthday was a hight point, as well as two world tours with the great pianist and composer McCoy Tyner. I also sang “Rapture” with the icon Anita Baker during her farewell tour—that was a life-changing experience.

On the opposite side of things, what’s been a low point that you’ve overcome?

Well, my wife and I were living in Altadena when the Eaton Fire hit. We lost absolutely everything and have had to build our lives again from scratch. I've definitely learned a lot about detachment, letting go and Zen philosophy over the past four months. We're making it through.

What are some plans you have through year’s end?

I've just recorded a song for a major film coming out this summer (I can't tell you the name, but it's big!) and am finishing writing a book about my philosophy of Jazz singing. It has interviews with Samara Joy, Dianne Reeves, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Andy Bey, Sheila Jordan, Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater… in my book the best living Jazz singers.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

1978: Revenge of The Dragon is probably my most fun album! I co-directed a companion short Kung Fu film called "Revenge of The Dragon" out now! (Watch short film here.)

Pre-Order Album

(Vinyl/CD/Digital/Cassette)

https://www.rainbowblonde.co/revengeof

Tracklist

1. Tokyo Daydream (feat. Taali)

2. Rock With You (feat. Takuya Kuroda)

3. Rise Of The Tiger

4. They Sleep, We Grind (for Badu)

5. I Thought It Was You (feat. Ebban Dorsey)

6. Miss You

7. Inside And Out (feat. Ben Wendel)

8. Last Call At The Mudd Club