JOSÉ JAMES PRESENTS 1978: REVENGE OF THE DRAGON
- Montclair Jazz Festival
- Sep 8, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
José James – Jazz, Soul & Modern Music Innovator
José James is both conductor and conduit. Across 17 years as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer — and co-founder of Rainbow Blonde Records since 2018 — he has explored genres, eras, and traditions with the depth of a music historian and the confidence of a master performer.
With a silky baritone that adapts effortlessly across styles, James first made waves with his debut The Dreamer (2008), blending contemporary jazz with hip-hop textures. This fearless approach has fueled a discography with no boundaries: the breakthrough No Beginning No End (Blue Note, 2013); the standards collection For All We Know (2010); the genre-bending While You Were Sleeping (2014); and the R&B-forward Love in a Time of Madness (2017).
His tributes to legends Billie Holiday (Yesterday I Had the Blues, 2015), Bill Withers (Lean On Me, 2018), and Erykah Badu (On & On, 2023) highlight his ability to honor tradition while reinventing it. His latest release, 1978: Revenge of the Dragon (2025), fuses disco, funk, and soul into a vibrant statement of musical freedom.
Through bold collaborations, live performances, and studio innovation, José James has become a leading figure in modern jazz, soul, and R&B, shaping the future of music while staying rooted in its past.
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS’ presentation of José James is supported through a Chamber Music America Presenter Consortium for Jazz grant in collaboration with the DC Jazz Festival and August Wilson African American Cultural Center. A component of the Doris Duke Jazz Ensembles Project, Presenter Consortium for Jazz is funded by the Doris Duke Foundation.
Excellent introduction to what sounds like an exciting performance. The background and details really build anticipation for the event. I recently read a review blog mentioning big unit self storage and it reminded me how thoughtful content helps readers discover worthwhile experiences. Thanks for keeping music lovers updated with such engaging posts.
Balance is an important skill that improves with regular yoga practice. A yoga studio teaches poses that strengthen stabilizing muscles while enhancing coordination and body awareness. Better balance reduces the clubhippocrate risk of falls, improves athletic performance, and supports everyday movements. These practical benefits make yoga a valuable addition to almost any wellness routine.
It’s fascinating to see José James reimagine classic sounds across genres, and exploring his creative journey alongside resources from yourpcb makes diving into modern jazz even more rewarding.