American jazz vocalist José James has a wonderfully dark baritone, which makes his songs sound sweet as honey. James was one of the surprises of the festival two years ago. He is a jazz singer who likes to experiment with hip-hop, gospel and blues in his songs that are based on soul music. He also enjoys making trips to other musical genres. He has worked with major producer Flying Lotus, Japanese freak-jazz band Soil & Pimp Sessions and dance act Basement Jaxx, for instance. Although the American effortlessly swapped bedroom soul for funk on his latest feat, Black Magic (2010), he will perform a classical tribute to Coltrane at the North Sea Jazz Festival. Coltrane's music changed his life as a teen; when he was seventeen James already put lyrics to some of Coltrane's numbers. Last year he extended this repertoire. Now the time has come to bring his homage to the stage. He will be accompanied by Belgium's top pianist Jef Neve, among others.
