Jose James

Musician, Singer

Jose James is a celebrated jazz and soul singer known for his emotive voice and innovative fusion of genres, particularly in his album 'No Beginning No End.'

Born
January 20, 1978
Quotes
27
Rank
#3404

Quote collection

Jose James quotes (page 2 of 2)

27 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Jose James Musician, Singer
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"There used to be a club in new york called Bradley's - I've never been there, it closed in the 80's - but I used to study with Junior Mance, and he would tell me about Bradley's. It was a very important place for a generation of jazz musicians in New York. It was really all about pianists there."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"Chico Hamilton told me, "The first take is important in jazz because that's where the real emotion is." That's your true response to what's happening, and everything else after that, your brain is involved because you have something to reference."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"The level of musicianship in New York is the highest in the world. It's tough to get into. You start gigging making 50 dollars a night, or playing for nothing to get to something. It's insane. It's like being a modern dancer, or something - the hardest thing to make money from."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"I really like the complexity of jazz, the emotional depth; I feel like there's no other music that's really as satisfying as jazz."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"I don't get writer's block. I don't try to write anything; when something comes, I write it. I just practice and when I get an idea I write it down."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"I go by the "Miles Davis school of production and band-leading", where you pick the best musicians you can, you provide them with a minimum of direction, and you just let the music happen. I've seen it work time and time again."

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Jose James Musician, Singer
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"For me jazz is kind of an extension of hip-hop. Kind of the sad thing is that a lot of jazz people just listen to jazz, and a lot of hip-hop people just listen to hip-hop, and there's not a lot of crossover, unfortunately."

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