8.2
Contact: [email protected]
Web: Soundcloud.com
Seeking: Booking, Film/TV
Style: R&B, Soul
“Let’s Get It,” croons the soulful JoséJames on his latest album 1978’s opener—slow and sultry, and to be added after Barry White on the date night mix. Funky rhythm guitar and vintage synth sounds, combined with James’ echoey falsettos hit just right. Tracks are sharp and intense, many inspired by faith, philosophy and spiritual-ity—titles reference “Isis & Osiris,” “Black Orpheus,” “Place of Worship,” and the themes James sings about reflect upon the morals of the stories. Most haunting is the heartbreaking piano ballad, “For Trayvon,” in which we hear James plead, chilling, invoking Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.”
