Vocalist José James has released Always There, the lead single from his forthcoming album Love in a time of Madness, which is available via Blue Note recordings in February. The track sees James embracing contemporary production styles, making a brave and bold lunge towards contemporary R&B and a sound that will sit well with fans of artists like D∆WN and Bryson Tiller.
The album was primarily recorded in L.A. and features contributions from producer Tario Holmes, vocalists Mali Music, Talia and Oleta Adams and regular collaborators like bassist Solomon Dorsey and producer/engineers Scott Jacoby and Pete Min. The sound of Los Angeles is clear on Always There, with similarities in production aesthetic to Kendrick Lamar’s work with Terrace Martin and Sounwave.
James told fans on Facebook, ‘I’ve never worked harder on a project’ adding ‘The live show is simple, deeper, sexier – featuring myself, master drummers Nate Smith + Richard Spaven.’
‘Live audio production design by Tario. Live beats by Nate + Rich. Guitar and Ableton Push by yours truly. I want to capture the rawness of hip-hop, the power of the self, the individual, the moment that we’re all living in. The now.’
Catch José James live on his return to Band on the Wall on 3rd May or at Birmingham’s Glee Club on 2nd May.