José James - The Music of Billie Holiday live at AB - Ancienne Belgique (Full concert)

Unique AB production in which an impressive voice of modern jazz - José James -- releases his vocal glory upon the musical heritage of Billie Holiday, or "Lady Day". Let's just say: one of the most impressive voices American jazz history has ever known.
Coincidence or not: Billie Holiday -- or Eleanora Fagan Gough -- was born on 7 April 1915. So José James intentionally chose this symbolic date (read: anniversary).
José James - vocals, loopstation
Takuya Kuroda - trumpet
Michael Campagna - tenor saxophone
Kris Bowers - piano
Solomon Dorsey - bass
Richard Spaven - drums
0:30 "Good Morning Heartache" 8:13 "Body and Soul" 17:20 "Fine and Mellow" 26:43 "I thought about you". 34:11 "What a little Moonlight Can Do" 41:26 "Tenderly" 52:00 "Lover Man (Oh where can you be?)" 1:01:55 "Bless the Child" 1:16:14 "Strange Fruit"

[@araby212]

I could listen to this on my winding bed. Sublime did not think a male singer could do this kind of justice to this piece.

[@lisabutler448]

To who ever post this thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. He is awesome....WOW!

[@magayusog]

Jose James is such a gem. I remember watching this 6 years ago and it still sets my soul on fire today.

[@bluemanzanita]

The fact that I was not born in the great jazz era has always given me the blues, but here we are, 2013, and Jose James begins to sing with absolute capability to honor the magnificent Billie Holiday. Breath-taking! It would not be as superbly potent without an exceptional band backing him up.

[@Soy_la_tech]

0:30 "Good Morning Heartache" 8:13 "Body and Soul" 17:20 "Fine and Mellow" 26:43 "I thought about you". 34:11 "What a little Moonlight Can Do" 41:26 "Tenderly" 52:00 "Lover Man (Oh where can you be?)" 1:01:55 "Bless the Child" 1:16:14 "Strange Fruit"

[@Soy_la_tech]

***** Thanks man!

[@sirichateaubriand996]

Angel Torres "I thought about you".

[@Soy_la_tech]

Siri Chateaubriand Thanks!

[@Gman4MF]

Angel Torres Thnx !

[@ratgoon4584]

This is the kind of music that setting' should take place in the harsh winter time with blizzard snow blowing the degrees is below zero and you and your significant other are cuddled on the couch in front of a roaring fireplace just getting deep into one another and loving every single minute down to the second of it all. That's what amazing music and moments can for you.👳👍💖

[@mizpahboy7513]

Once in a great while a singer will emerge from the ashes of yesterdays legends endowed with the spirit and talent of a Holiday or Vaughan or a Etta that will stop you dead in your tracks an make you say OMG! Jose James is just such a talent. An incredibly gifted singer with the voice and poise of old time jazz greats who could take a song and make it their own and even though you may have heard that same song a hundred times before when James sings it, it's like something completely new and unheard. Raw, earthy, sensual are just some of the terms that come to mind when he sings. Whatever you say of him... he's extraordinarily brilliant. Nice upload.

[@josecamilo1640]

I think some great jazz performers left us with some commending works and it is for the new generations to continue developing on their great initiatives. For Billie’s and Monk’s legacies not all has been developed; they left an open vein to continue their experimental music and styles. They were unique and their artistries deserves further continuation and recognitions. These young guys are just doing so!! Please continue with it!!

[@raymondmaynard2438]

The feel on the drums with the brushes was making me just go wow The vocals just made me say this just pure WORLD CLASS BASS playing piano master musician horns feeling it makes you feel it means great musos overall I wish I was there 10/10

[@9ineteen5ifty3hree]

Just brought Jose James album "No Beginning No End", just incredible. A friend turned me on to his music, I had to see what was on KZbin, hearing him sing the songs of the Great Billie Holiday filled my heart.

[@barbaraleverette4894]

OMG, what a great voice. Loving those Billy Holiday song’s. Great musicians also, keep on doing what your doing!

[@gosiaruthner872]

Każda piosenka w swoim swoim elemencie, tyle serca i duszy ❤dziekune za fa tastyczny koncert , Billie by sie podobało ☺👍

[@araby212]

The band is kiling it. Makes me think of Sade's band in its quality as accompanist.

[@sommelierramon]

Sade band and she : great yes !

[@josecamilo1640]

Very nice presentation and tribute to Lady Day. I like this performance very much, the phrasing is good and so resembles the ways of Billie’s performances so vividly. It is really a discovery, to my surprise it is outstanding that a man could be interpreting these tunes so appropriately; mostly when we regularly take them as absolute Billie’s very owned property. Blessings!!

[@Smoothways]

Oh Gee, what a voice! Silk and just a tinder rust (soreness) - just the right combination. This seems to be the new great generation of jazz musician - this pianist is stunning and the rest of the crew ain' t weak at all!

[@fudgedogbannana]

Call me crazy but this guy is in my house right now (Airbnb guest), he is performing at the Hollywood Bowl, its Aug.28 , I knew he was a musician but didnt know who he is till now. Good music.

[@daR2daO2daZ]

That arrangement of Strange Fruit though ... perfection!

[@VittorioValera]

Takuya Kuroda on trumpet...he is the man !!

[@vicomtethierry2347]

I love this guy !!!

[@lrichar4]

Gilbert "Gil" Scott - Heron lives on through 'Jose!!! What a continuation of such a GREAT BLESSING... Live on Gil !!!

[@rubenhargett6423]

This gentleman's voice is wonderful. When I first heard him, Gil Scott immediately came to my mind. One thing I can say is Jose Jones vocals are refreshing.

[@muji-rushi7556]

I wanna listen to these when an autam is ending and an winter is starting with a cold air in NY.

[@radiopuma1]

Grandissimo Jose!

[@liesschot233]

great concert , thanx a lot for posting

[@Matochina]

Who are the musicians? Can their names be written down?

[@jaimeguedes4768]

What can i say? Marvellous!

[@itsdaeyonglim]

Man His voice

[@foxxeeyy]

I don't know how he got through the last song "Strange Fruit". Billie used to lower her eyes and only one light shone in the room on her as she closed each show with this song of racism and lynchings commonplace in her time. Beyond sad, made the hair on my neck stand up. Beautifully done - but the sound of slaves' cries was haunting. AWESOME performance!!

[@namruzlo]

I have no words to describe what this music is doing to me ...

[@thudthedestroyer515]

please...allow me to help you...just ask!

[@NettieCartelNC]

I can relate... He's so blessed yes he is... It was love at first sound.....

[@jayc16001]

Silky smooth!!!!

[@Icarosan65]

for me just today, but what a beautiful lovely discovery...........

[@remcoblaauw]

i'm for sure Chet Baker liked this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WorldWideShow]

I was among the lucky people to have witnessed this beautiful performance in Brussels. Glad that the live video recording is online!

[@CassandraArtist]

His deep throaty tones took this iconic tune to another level.

[@Fogaata]

Wow!!!

[@babydoll1006]

This man is jusi fabulous!!! I would love to see him live. Where can i purchase this recording???? Thank you for posting this awesome performance!!!

[@MsMojoworks]

he plays mostly in Europe i believe.

[@sherrisawyer9933]

It's always good to stumble upon good music to soothe the soul.

[@jimmymacnj]

just absolutely awesome..... you do Lady Day a great justice.... thank you......

[@davidholiday4494]

Jose James is amazing. I heard him for the first time just a day or two ago and he is a great, great singer.

[@foxxeeyy]

The piano player has a penchant for beautiful jewellry - always wears a beautiful bracelet on his right hand. Class act! Jose is definitely channeling Billy Eckstine! Awesome!

[@k.m.h7480]

That’s who I was trying to think of Eckstein he has that baritone soul , I love you music down to a science

[@LUCIODIEZ]

Que groso esto!!!

[@realcheekigirl4560]

Bravo 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 left me breathless

[@CharlieHoliday369]

This dude should stay well away from Jazz! Stick to singing “Ain't no sunshine “ etc An insult to Billie Holiday ! Good Morning Heartache was TERRIBLE!!! He has poor technique and zero support.Skimmed thru the rest so may have missed something but JEEEESUS. The world is starved for good Jazz singers THAT’S for sure! NO WONDER everyone gushes over Samara Joy who came along with actual technique and an understanding of support!!!

[@igur20]

José James : técnicamente solvente y contra la opinión de algunos con el suficiente swing para actualizar algunos standard.Recomendable

[@marciagibson6443]

This music has me swaying and rotating my shoulders! Jose, you are THE MAN!!! Keep on jamming. You and your music will never go out of style. You have touched so many souls on a very, very deep level.

[@yorkiefan8287]

Just amazing, as always, thanks Jose for putting the link on FB, can't stop playing the video, want it on DVD/CD ... pleeeease?

[@amyrussell4136]

Hey, you were on the SDRR broadcast right?

[@lalizsd]

la la love it

[@foxxeeyy]

Kinda channeling Billy Eckstine... looks a bit like the younger Billy. Sweet piano and all!

[@marciagibson6443]

"Strange Fruit", OMG!! Had my heart and soul crying with soul stirring torment. Loved this performance!

[@MusicAndOtherColors]

Oh ! Wow ! Imagine having every day this voice saying good morning to you

[@carolwilliams6715]

This heah Brother is the s#!+! I wanted to say,check him out, paying homage to Erykah Badu...

[@MrBongoagogo]

Man that voice reminds me of a little of johnny hartman.and gill scott heron' sublime mr james.

[@markcalvin7525]

Wow! Wow! Wow! What more can I say???

[@sommelierramon]

Soo Far better then Billy Holliday. With her those days defect drugsvoice.

[@Lolalaray78]

I Love EVERY SINGLE THING about this!!!

[@Mistyblu4U]

So smooth and mellow. Excellent job and top notch musicians!!. Must we always compare? Can we just compliment and leave it at that?

[@PuntaEuropaEG]

Nice

[@Dm5741]

Well said Mistyblu4U. I sometimes get caught up in comparing, but u r right -- let ppl be themselves & w/should enjoy THEIR talent. Thx for turning the light on :)

[@Mistyblu4U]

ahhhhhh.....that was very nice of you to say. ty.

[@VonMarie6670]

Glow Ray!! What an amazing voice..

[@noelgarrietarobles6402]

Esta bien bro, pero el jazz esta muy cuidado no como el de antes mas improvisado, que era lo que lo hacia diferente... good luck ;)

[@XQL]

+Noel Robles Es verdad, mucho vuelo el jazz de antaño... el 'moderno' parece muy pautado en los tiempos que tiene cada músico. Así y todo arma muy agradable clima la banda. Es más, me parece a simple audición que la banda tiene más mérito o virtudes para mostrar que JJ. De gusto personal prefiero la mixtura más soul/R&B, riqueza tímbrica, modulación, colores de Gregory Porter... pero gustos son gustos. Saludos!

[@noelgarrietarobles6402]

+Exequiel Cariaga claro hermano, saludos.

[@Gman4MF]

Such a great voice...

[@debbiezenaida]

OMG ... dying.

[@radiopuma1]

Very good mate! You'r good. And very good the guys. Jap.trumpet and Italian sax...very interesting. bravo "the usual" Cris.. loving the stan and song piano. The "normal"Salomon is having sex with "madam" bass. Coll crew.BRAVO! Hope to see You guys in Siracusa(Sicily) thanks for this good performance.Cheers.

[@cynthiaobryant6001]

I'm currently down the rabbit hole of all things Jose James - who I've just discovered and I love everything I'm hearing from this young vocalists and his selection of musicians who accompany him on his musical journeys! I'm late to the party, but I'm here to stay now!!!! :)

[@danielmicic7099]

woah - strange fruit was heavy ....

[@bluegreenwoodtiger]

Outstanding!

[@JOTA.ZasHell]

___ Pues ... me temo que he de decir, en "olor" a la verdad, que para ser vuestra primera producción de una impresionante voz del jAzz CONTEMPORÁNEO [que no ¿moderno?] cosa que comparto al 101% la grabación tiene una calidad, un tanto ... un poco ... ¡Sí, eso!. Lo que estás pensando ahora mismo a rebufo de los tres puntos suspensivos. Mal comienzo, ¿no?. Voy a echar un vistazo a otros vídeos de esa vuestra productora, a ver si hay suerte y es que, lo de esta "cosa" en liza, no ha sido más que un imprevisto improvisado impropiamente. Por lo demás, bien, gracias. Mañana sol ... y buen tiempo!!. Un saludo desde muy lejos. ___

[@ignacioperez3644]

El de la trompeta, ¿es Takuya Kuroda?

[@xebio6]

+Ignacio Perez Sí

[@almasolema4431]

I love you Mr. Jose James ... your a gorgeous person on earth in deed on earth ... a beautiful soul

[@taracatalin]

Superb gig!

[@Mskiyuki]

I'm happy as long as Ur happy^^

[@Mskiyuki]

Thanx for being my friend^_^

[@Djeicabe]

This is just so beautiful.

[@Robbie521000]

Awww, he got it! However, you don't surpass Billy, come on. They simply carry it differently. This Cat is a bad fella. The music arrangement is really nice, and they support eachother beautifully! Much respect.

[@devemela]

I am mesmerized!!!

[@Coin3103]

great performance ! They all very good musicians, I love Richard Spaven on the drums and the pianist is incredible

[@AnneLien1987]

Super zeg. Ik wou dat ik erbij was. Prachtige muziek!

[@esthvall5637]

Fine and mellow very good❤

[@simonmara9948]

master jazz!!!!!!!

[@CoolJazzification]

Concerning coolness, this is on the same level as D'Angelo. Wow. And what a pianoplayer. Nice!!!

[@bluemanzanita]

PS ...and Kris Bowers! Why can't we get that Japanese release here in the USA?

[@murielfoster9534]

Thanks for sharing, excusame could you give me the list of the songs?. Sorry, my english is not good. :/

[@Mskiyuki]

U calm me down...

[@gonzalezchanel]

gracias totales a José James y su banda. Son fantásticos. Quién dijo que la buena música murió?

[@mestrefrancois204]

Quoi de mieux, par une après-midi neigeuse et sombre de février...droit au cœur !!

[@Lolamola46]

Fabulosa en su concierto en la Complutense de Madrid hace una semana

[@seltaeb3302]

I think Sade would make a good Billie Holiday torch singer tribute. Strange Fruit must be the greatest song ever.

[@michaelnicola5210]

No one is cooler…

[@ARELIPAMELA12]

wooowww!!! Amazing voice!! and feeling!!! Singing a Billie, uff! Good!!!!

[@ammurr50]

A true talent......fortunate enough to have seen him in LA...and he is coming to the Berks Jazz fest in April...got my second row middle seat!!!!

[@babydoll1006]

Ann.. Where is Berks jazz festival???

[@Mskiyuki]

Especially,the last part was so impressing..

[@gheavy1]

This is what I wanted to watch for a long time. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeEttena]

This even surpasses Billy!

[@Richard1976]

is volume so low or? Love perfomance though :D

[@almacolo]

Mi más profunda adminración por Jose James

[@clauasencio17]

Latino USA brought me here!

[@therealsergiomello]

Oh man, this is so sweet. Bless ya mister James.

[@palomadiazzalabardo4781]

impresionante, una delicia escucharle!!

[@ChristopheDelaplanche]

Who's on keyboards ?

[@sosippus]

Kris Bowers

[@jeffkennedy5645]

Mmmmm 🎤

[@StudioRomix]

Wooooo that's Hot!!! Love Jose James Bond!!

[@sifisopretorius4159]

Fantastic out of this world

[@AppliedWisdom4You]

The man is musically DEEP

[@daR2daO2daZ]

Lawdy. Lawdy. Lawdy. Ham Mercy!