Jose James – While You Were Sleeping Sampler – (Blue Note)
DMC World Magazine
José James is one of those pure and talented artists, exponents of modern jazz, hip hop, raw funk, mellow soul, indie rock and folk a champion of the Holy Grail of real music and as such a keeper of the faith who deserves accolades, plaudits and praise by the bucket load. An alumni of Gilles Peterson’s ‘Brownswood’ label and cornerstone of the Worldwide family, now recording for the hallowed ‘Blue Note’ James’ steps up with a deliciously addictive, three track sampler that will have you jonesing for the album release. ‘Angel’ is a roaring guitar led treat that makes the ghost of Jimi Hendrix and the spirits of D’Angelo, Lewis Taylor and Prince flush with envy whilst they dance in the aisles. ‘UR The 1’ is a reverse rolling excursion that takes the sweet, laidback, J-Dilla-infused route to glory. Then the raw, jaw-dropper, ‘Everything’ hits the snares so hard it slashes the skins with its scimitar sharp sticks. It’s a dark, brooding, rocked out, hip-hop tear up with a Ghostpoet edge, that oozes positivity and strength even when it’s sung whilst skulking in the monotone shadows. It would make Nine Inch Nails feel the need to grow a couple of metres. Every little thing is in its rightful place here. I’m hitting Itunes now to buy the album.
