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Andy JAMES

“Andy James’ sound is smoky & luxurious with every lush detail of the music carried out exquisitely”

– Riff Review


ALL ABOUT ANDY

 

In the ever-evolving tapestry of music, few tales resonate as profoundly as that of Andy James. Emerging from Australia and currently living in Las Vegas, NV, James is not just a name; she's an experience, a confluence of dance, song, and soul that traces its roots back to familial ties and an indomitable spirit. 

"Music was always a conversation in our household," James reflects with a playful grin, alluding to her parents' profound influence. "Dance took center stage for a while, but the allure of jazz, ingrained by my mother, was undeniable." And so, from the passionate rhythms of Flamenco, where she danced alongside luminaries like Antonio Canales and Paco de Lucia, Andy pivoted, embarking on a musical odyssey that saw her crafting a sound deeply entrenched in the golden jazz era. 

2018 “Caravan,” James' debut album, a mesmerizing foray into the smoky, sultry elegance of the 1930s-1950s swing era. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald, James infuses each track with a burnished passion that resonates with echoes of soul and gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Ray Charles. It's an album that feels both timeless and profoundly personal, a testament to James' innate ability to channel the spirit of jazz's illustrious past while adding her unique, contemporary twist.

Her follow-up albums in 2019 “Shared Lives”, “Blue”, both  Recorded at the legendary Capitol studios in Hollywood California 

2021 brought “Tu Amor”, and her collaborative album with great bass player John Patitucci “An Evening with Andy James and John Patitccui

But behind every great artist lies a tapestry of collaborators, and James is no exception. With an ensemble that reads like a who's who of the industry's finest, including the likes of Josh Connolly, Bernie Grundman, Piero Pata, Santiago Interiano and Jon Cowherd, James music is a masterclass in sonic craftsmanship. Each note, each lyric, meticulously curated to capture the essence of James' vision, elevating her debut from a mere album to a transformative musical experience.

Yet, for all her accolades in the realm of jazz, James' journey remains one of evolution and exploration. With her latest album, “Rhythm in New York,” James continues to defy categorization, blending genres and collaborating with an ensemble of musical virtuosos. From the lyrical genius of Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd to the unparalleled artistry of John Patitiucci, Marcus Gillmore, Nate Smith, Chris Potter, Alex Acuna, Marcus Strickland, Chico Pinheiro, Adam Rodgers to name a few "Rhythm in New York" is a testament to James' enduring passion for collaboration and innovation.

In a world where commercialism often overshadows authenticity, Andy James stands as a beacon of artistic integrity. Her journey from the Flamenco stages of Milan to the jazz clubs worldwide is a testament to her versatility and a poignant reminder of music's transformative power. With each performance and each album, James reaffirms her place among the pantheon of jazz greats, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape and captivating audiences with her unparalleled artistry.


 Jazz Vocalist | Performer 

 

Andy James’ debut, Caravan, resides in the smoky elegance of the classic 1930-1905s female swing vocal tradition, recalling high-watermark recordings by Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Julie London. Andy’s vocals exhibit a burnished passion which touches upon soul and gospel titans such as Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke. 

 

Despite Caravan being Andy’s debut release, it’s a life’s work documented in the now. Andy emerged a fully formed artist and, on the strength of her talents, has been able to work with a diverse list of industry heavyweights, including mix and mastering engineer Josh Connolly (Justin Bieber, Santana, Pharell Williams); platinum mastering engineer Bernie Grundman (Carol King, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Prince); in-demand producer Piero Pata; noted vocal producer Zeffin Quinn Hollis ( Les Misérables, The Fantasticks, and Company); and big band jazz icon, Grammy Award-winner and Emmy-nominee Bill Cunliffe.

Despite stints singing in a rock band (The Late Late Show), and playing bass professionally (the Australian Tour production of The Rocky Horror Picture), it’s Andy’s gifts as a dancer that first thrust her into the public spotlight. In this realm, she had an inter-continental career, first dancing Flamenco in Australia, and later in Madrid, alongside the greatest Flamenco artists of the day, including Antonio Canales, Rafael Amargo, and Paco de Lucia. “Flamenco is based on feeling complex offbeat and synchronized rhythms, and I think that prepared me for singing jazz melodies,” Andy opines.

 

Andy James is celebrating an incredibly exciting year of touring and recording. She just finished a luscious album (her fifth) called “Shared Lives” which receives its appellation from a fantastic original number written by the incomparable Bill Cunliffe, her musical director and arranger. And there’s no better way to complete an album titled “Shared Lives” than with a series of incredible jazz tunes while sharing the limelight with some of the most adored and acclaimed musicians on the planet: Bill Cunliffe, Ernie Watts, Rick Margitza, Terrell Stafford, Chuck Berghafer, Joe LaBarbera, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Alex Acuña, and Jake Langley.


Stream Now!

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 Music

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No Regrets, an album by Andy James on Spotify

 Videos

Upcoming shows

March 27th, 2024 - Andy James LIVE! - Vibrato Grill Jazz - Los Angeles, CA

ONE SHEET

 

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