Sticky Jazz: Interview Andy James

Quick Milestone everyone, Sticky Jazz was the 2nd most listened to music podcast out of Utah for 2025. VIVE FOR US... Thanks everyone.

So, because we are called Sticky Jazz, we are happy to have on the show this week the fantastic female jazz vocalist Andy James. She is an Australian born Jazz singer, and flamenco dancer, who migrated to the US via Madrid Spain.

She just released an album "Architect of My Blues", it is a jazz album inspired by the late Ray Charles, where his influence is all over in this collection of songs.

Andy James' musical collaborations with other artists are notable artists, are just fantastic. She came across as pretty shy, but her voice is bold, and she really delivers, especially as we talked about her "Last song" at concerts.

If you like Jazz, Andy James has some vocal talent unmatched in female vocalists, I rate her up there with Holly Cole, Julie London, and even Astrid Gilberto.

#andyjamesmusic #jazz #femalejazzvocalists #julielondon #astridgilberto #hollycole #flamenco #raycharles

Backstage Pass: Ever Wondered What Makes Andy James Sound So Uniquely

Hear the Story Behind the Sound

To explore these influences even further, Andy James recently sat down with The Backstage Pass, powered by The Sports Guys Podcast a show that bridges the worlds of sports and music through in-depth conversations with some of today’s most influential voices.

🎧 Tune in on:

  • iHeartRadio

  • TuneIn

  • Sunday mornings on 650 AM WSM, the legendary home of the Grand Ole Opry

If you’ve ever wondered what truly shapes Andy James’ sound, this conversation—and her music—will let you hear her artistry in an entirely new light.

VENTS MAGAZINE : Interview with Andy James

Renowned jazz vocalist Andy James was recently featured in an in-depth interview with VENTS Magazine, one of the premier online destinations for music news, entertainment, film, and culture.

Established in 2009, VENTS Magazine has built a respected reputation for spotlighting both emerging and established artists through thoughtful editorial coverage.

In her interview, Andy James opens up about her musical journey, creative inspirations, new album and the evolution of her sound. Known for her emotionally rich delivery and genre-blending approach to jazz, Andy reflects on the experiences that have shaped her voiceboth artistically and personally. The conversation offers fans a deeper look into her perspective as a modern jazz artist navigating today’s ever-changing musical landscape.

👉 Read the full interview on VENTS Magazine and discover more about Andy James’ artistry, vision, and what’s next on her creative path.

(Music) Andy James New Album "The Architect of My Blues"

Andy James is proud to announce the release of her latest studio album, The Architect of My Blues, available now on all streaming platforms and via Bandcamp.

A deeply personal and genre-bending project, The Architect of My Blues finds Andy expanding her artistic palette, blending the emotional depth of jazz with the storytelling soul of Americana, country, and blues. The album is the result of years of reflection, collaboration, and fearless creative exploration — a body of work that examines how life’s heartbreaks and triumphs shape who we become.

The album was born in Nashville during intimate songwriting sessions with arranger and co-producer Jon Cowherd and a remarkable group of songwriters including Nicole Atkins, Dexter Green, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Tre Burt, Emil Levy, and Ryan Scott. Those raw compositions were later brought to life at renowned studios in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where Andy and co-producer Piero Pata assembled an extraordinary ensemble of musicians to give the songs their final form.

Featuring a stellar lineup of world-class artists — including Nicholas Payton, John Patitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta, James Genus, Ronnie Foster, Joel Frahm, Bob Sheppard, Michael Dease, Alex Acuña, Greg Leisz, Steve Cardenas, Clarence Penn, and Charlie Bisharat — the album moves effortlessly between intimate ballads, wide-open Americana soundscapes, and richly layered jazz arrangements.

Across eight vocal tracks and one instrumental, The Architect of My Blues explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. From the reflective vulnerability of “Sleeping Heart” to the hopeful rise of “I’ll Breathe Again,” and the cinematic instrumental “Wilson’s Gospel,” each track offers a window into the emotional architecture of the album’s title. The closing track, “Our Favorite Little Street,” serves as a nostalgic love letter — a quiet reminder that memories and moments are often the strongest foundations we carry with us.

“The idea behind this album is that we don’t just experience the blues — we build through them,” Andy shares. “Every song represents a chapter in that process of becoming, healing, and moving forward.”

The Architect of My Blues follows Andy’s acclaimed 2025 release Happy People and continues her evolution as one of the most compelling and fearless voices in contemporary jazz.

JazzWeekly Reviews Andy James: The Architect Of My Blue

by George W. Harris • October 20, 2025 •

Vocalist Andy James continues to create a strong catalogue of mature music with this album of music inspired by Ray Charles’ country and western period. She’s backed by some of the best and most versatile team of Jon Cowherd/p, Vinnie Colaiuta-Clareence Penn/dr, John Patitucci-James Genus/g, Ronnie Foster/org, Alex Acuna/perc,  a horn team of Nicolas Payton/tp, Michael Dease/tb, Joel Frahm-Bob Sheppard/sax, and some country tones brought on by Greg Liesz/pdsg, Steve Cardenas/g and Charlie Bisharat/vi.

The band shows its strength on the instrumental “Wilson’s Gospel” that features Cowherd and Bisharat at the local VFW, while James steps in for an easy swing on the Tin Pan Alley’d “Our Favorite Little Street”. The horns led by Payton are hip as James slinks into an R&B shuffle on “Love You All The Time” and she sashays to Cowherds cords on the sexy samba of “After You”. A little sass is thrown in by James on the swampy title tune, and Patitucci gives a tasty bass line on the gospelish “Tomorrow Song”. The album salutes Charles without imitating him, which is of course the most sincere form of flattery.

Andy James Announces European Performances This November

Le Coq Records proudly presents Andy James Live in Europe — a spectacular run of performances this November featuring Jon Cowherd and The All Stars, including Alex Acuña, Dominique Di Piazza, and Canito.

Following the success of her recent singles “Let’s Talk of Love” and “Happy People,” Andy returns to Europe with an electrifying live show celebrating her upcoming album The Architect of My Blues (out November 14, 2025).

Audiences can expect a night of world-class musicianship, heartfelt storytelling, and the sophisticated sound that has defined Andy’s rise as one of today’s leading jazz voices.

SONGFACTS PODCAST : ANDY JAMES

In this episode, we're interviewing the talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Andy James. Known for her expressive phrasing and flamenco-inspired flair, Andy has carved out a unique space in contemporary jazz, and her latest album, Happy People, is a radiant, genre-blending celebration of just that: joy, connection, and groove.

Andy’s musical journey has taken her across the globe and into the studio with some legends, including the late, great jazz icon Chick Corea, a close collaborator.  Whether she’s interpreting a classic or crafting original compositions, Andy brings both soul and technical brilliance to everything she does.

We talk about the inspiration behind Happy People, her songwriting process, and what blending jazz and flamenco has taught her as a musician. LISTEN HERE

Jazz Weekly Reviews Andy James: Happy People

by George W. Harris 

Instead of simply rehashing standards and styles, vocalist/composer Andy James continues to release material that is both fresh and mature. This time around, she expands her boundaries in a couple of directions, one with a dash of fusion akin to Weather Report as well as a surfeit of Latin ideas percolating around.

James includes a group of her regulars such as Weather Report’s own Alex Acuna/perc as well as John Cowherd/p, John Beasley/B3, Rick Margitza/ts, David Binney/as, Carlito Del Puerto-James Genus/b, John Ellis/ts-ss-bcl, Mino Cinelu/perc and Chico Pinheiro. Throughout the album you feel this exciting tug of war between James delivering an earthy table dance with Cowherd as on the sauntering “Love Is Lost” and the scintillatingly upbeat “Happy People” contested with some modal directions with rich Coltranesque reeds during the supercharged “I Can’t Stop It” and “Dance With You”.

James herself dresses well for each occasion, swirling through the flamenco guitars on “To Be So Young” and oozing a tango through the reeds on a sensuous take of “Besame Mucho”  while searing through the rumble of “Caravan”. James is definitely a singer, but she comes across here as one of the musicians in the band, she’s a team player.

The Staffa Corner Podcast Episode 44 Guest: Andy James

BY GREG STAFFA

Andy James takes us on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Madrid and beyond in this illuminating conversation about fusion, culture, and artistic evolution. A world-acclaimed flamenco dancer who pivoted to jazz artistry, James embodies the beautiful intersection of seemingly disparate musical traditions.

James explains how her latest album "Happy People" — recorded across five countries including

Spain, Italy and the United States - represents years of creative development and features fourteen original compositions that showcase this unique fusion.

James offers fascinating insights into flamenco's varied reception worldwide, noting its stronger following in European countries while remaining somewhat on the cultural fringe in America. She sees the United States as an "untapped market" ripe for flamenco's rhythmic complexity and emotional depth, especially when presented through her accessible jazz-fusion approach.

Discover this fascinating musical intersection through Andy James' "Happy People," available now on all streaming platforms, and follow her upcoming tour through Italy as she continues to spread happiness through her innovative approach to cross-cultural musical. LISTEN HERE

Andy James talks about her new album ‘Happy People’ and her future plans

ByMarkos Papadatos

Andy James chatted about her new album “Happy People,” and she shared her future plans.

How did you approach the song selection process for your “Happy People” album?

Although this is an expansive album, the song selection process felt very natural to me.

These songs had been living in my heart and mind for quite some time, and now, being based in the States, I finally had the opportunity to bring them to life.

While living in Spain for many years as a flamenco artist, both Chick Corea and Paco de Lucía would encourage me—whether after a show or during a casual coffee—to be more adventurous in my performances and blend my jazz background with flamenco.

At the time, I didn’t have the courage to do so. I was focused on developing as a traditional flamenco performer and didn’t realize, as they did, that blending genres would have enhanced my artistry rather than detracted from it.

What is your personal favorite song on the album and why?

That’s such a tough question—I truly love them all! But if I had to choose, it would be “I Don’t Know How to Love.” It’s set to a unique flamenco rhythm called Tanguillo, but we arranged it in 6/4 instead of the traditional 12/8 so jazz musicians unfamiliar with flamenco could follow along more easily.

Emotionally, it’s one of the most powerful ballads I’ve ever written—alongside my collaborators Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd.

The song tells the story of a deep love that’s not fully returned, and the eventual realization that it’s time to reclaim your independence: “It’s time for me at last, I know I’m right in this, it’s just my time.”

We began the track with a strong, percussive groove by the legendary Alex Acuña (of Weather Report fame), followed by a haunting and expressive piano intro by Jon Cowherd. My vocals enter with a somber, melancholic tone.

Flamenco guitarist Canito brings soul to the piece with thoughtful rhythmic playing and beautiful fills, and Dave Binney’s alto sax solo adds a surprising and moving touch.

I did my best to give the melody and lyrics the emotional weight they deserved.

Which song is the most personal to you?

That would be “Happy People,” which was actually the first original song written for the album and ultimately became the title track. Out of the 16 tracks—14 originals and two covers—this one sets the tone for the entire record.

It’s written in a flamenco Tangos rhythm in 4/4, with Canito’s signature flamenco guitar pulsing throughout, supported beautifully by Chico Pinheiro.

This song is special to me because it represents my desire to integrate the flamenco rhythms I love into my jazz writing.

I often think of Chick Corea and Paco de Lucía, and I wonder if they would be proud of how Piero, Jon, and I brought these worlds together in this joyful piece.

The lyric “Happy People stay together” captures the uplifting spirit I hoped to convey—especially in today’s turbulent times.

Singing this one was a true joy, especially the jaleos—the spirited vocal interjections used in flamenco to encourage the performers—which brought an added layer of authenticity and fun to the track.

Were you going for a certain theme for this album?

Absolutely. The concept behind Happy People was to reflect my journey as a flamenco performer while also incorporating my experiences in jazz—both in the writing and the performance.

I wanted the listener to feel the emotional depth, soul, and joy that drew me into flamenco at a young age. But I didn’t want to create a purely flamenco record.

Instead, I envisioned a true fusion of both styles—something Chick Corea always championed and mastered so beautifully. This album is my heartfelt homage to that vision.

What do your plans for the future include?

There’s so much on the horizon! On the recording side, I have several projects already completed and ready for release through my label  Le Coq Records.

One is a big band album with strings, featuring timeless classics and anchored by the great Joe LaBarbera (of Bill Evans fame). We recorded it at Capitol Records in Studios A and B—an unforgettable experience.

I also have an original album recorded in Nashville with five incredibly talented co-writers. Collaborating with other writers opened up new creative directions I might not have explored on my own.

This project features stunning trumpet work by Nicholas Payton and the legendary pedal steel guitarist Greg Leisz.

There is also a unique Beatles tribute album by John Patitucci and Jon Cowherd that takes the music in an entirely new direction.

On the performance front, I’ll be showcasing Happy People in Italy this May—returning to Rome, where I have such a warm and enthusiastic fan base.

This will be followed by tours in Mexico and the Dominican Republic in July, and then in the U.S. in October.

I just launched the album with a release concert at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Club in Los Angeles earlier this month, which was a truly special evening.

What inspires your music and songwriting?

There’s nothing quite like the connection I feel when an audience understands and responds to what I’m expressing.

That’s what inspires me most. I like to bring a unique and expressive vocal style—more classic in tone and phrasing—with a clear focus on lyrical clarity.

I want listeners to feel the meaning behind each word. My songwriting is deeply influenced by the people around me, the highs and lows of life, and my journey through the performing arts. It’s all a part of the story I aim to tell through music.

What would you like to tell our readers about your new album? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)?

I hope listeners come away with a sense of emotional comfort and well-being—the same feeling I had while writing and recording Happy People.

This album was a massive labor of love, with immense care put into every detail—from the songwriting and arranging to the performances and mixing.

We recorded in multiple studios to bring together the dream team of artists involved. The first ten songs were tracked at Power Station in NYC, with additional touches added at The Bunker.

While on tour, we recorded six more originals in Rome at Mob Studios, even pairing Alex Acuña and Mino Cinelu together for the first time—just before playing the Colosseum Jazz Festival.

We then traveled to Seville to work with flamenco talents Canito, Cepillo Sanlucar, and Abel Harana, who added dance and rhythmic flair we had intentionally left space for in the arrangements.

Having incredible partners in production like Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd made a world of difference.

The album was mixed by Josh Connolly at Studio A in Las Vegas and all marketing and visual content for the album was produced by Santiago Interiano of Epic Nights Media, LLC, and a roster of musicians.

Speaking of musicians, these include Jon Cowherd, John Beasley, Carlito del Puerto, James Genus, Marcus Gilmore, Alex Acuña, Mino Cinelu, Canito, Chico Pinheiro, John Ellis, Rick Margitza, Dave Binney, Cepillo Sanlucar, Abel Harana, and myself.

I hope this album offers something truly unique and unforgettable. A musical experience that stands apart.

“Happy People” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.

To learn more about Andy James, follow her on Instagram and visit her website.

Back Story Sessions "Happy People": Andy James

Hello Backstory fans! We are back with another great episode where we first dive into some March musings. We kick off by discussing the age-old saying about March's weather, pondering if it's starting like a lion or a lamb. It's been quite a mixture here with some drastic temperature drops!

The focus of this episode is our chat with the incredibly talented Andy James and Piero Pata from the world of flamenco and jazz. Their exciting fusion of these genres in the "Happy People" album is something you won't want to miss. They've traveled from Las Vegas to Sevilla to bring this project to life. Join us as we explore their creative journey and upcoming tour plans.

We also mark a special milestone for Cat's theater group, as she just wrapped up her 11th show! It's amazing how far Tri County Mystery Meets has come in under two years, and they gearing up for the next play called "The Most Human," which promises to warm the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Plus, find out about Cat's  experiments with vegan meals—fishless fish is next on her list! LISTEN HERE

ANDY JAMES TO RELEASE NEW JAZZ-FLAMENCO INSPIRED ALBUM TITLED “HAPPY PEOPLE” AVAILABLE ON MARCH 7 ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS

ANDY JAMES TO RELEASE NEW JAZZ-FLAMENCO INSPIRED

ALBUM TITLED “HAPPY PEOPLE” AVAILABLE ON MARCH 7 ON

ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS

THE LE COQ RECORDS 16-TRACK COLLECTION FEATURES

AMERICAN AND LATIN JAZZ GREATS FROM JAMES GENUS TO

JOHN BEASLEY, ALEXA ACUNA, CARLITOS DEL PUERTO,

MARCUS GILMORE, AND MORE

JAMES’ SINGLE, “TO BE SO YOUNG,” DROPS TODAY

Los Angeles, Calif. (January 31, 2025) – Le Coq Records announces the release of vocalist

Andy James’ new 16-track album, HAPPY PEOPLE, to be available on March 7 on all music

streaming platforms (CDs and vinyl to be available at a later date). Fusing jazz and flamenco

music, the two great loves of the multi-talented singer, songwriter and vocalist, the album was

written and produced by Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd, who arranged for an ensemble of

American and Latin jazz greats for the album that explores the emotional ups and downs of

romance while fusing the two musical genres. Pre-save/pre-order the album HERE,

Check out James’ music video for her new single, “To Be So Young,” featuring Chico

Pinheiro arranged by Cowherd and co-written by James, Pata and Cowherd, HERE. Stream the

song HERE.

Long before James moved to the US from Melbourne, Australia to perform in clubs and theaters

in the U.S., record her favorite jazz standards, and formally become a recording artist, James was

a world-acclaimed flamenco dancer in Spain and Europe. Thus, the inspiration to record and

release the new album near and dear to her heart.

Says James, “It’s such a pleasure to finally share my flamenco life story with the jazz audience

through these original compositions in a Flamenco Jazz style! The journey has been incredible,

filled with rhythms that hold so much meaning. I truly believe Piero, Jon, and I have captured the

essence of that story.”

HAPPY PEOPLE, James’ eighth studio album, was recorded in locations all over the world - at

separate junctures from spring to fall 2024 in NYC (Power Station, The Bunker), Rome (Mob

Studio), Seville, Spain (Tempo, Casa Bala) and in James and (her husband) Pata’s adopted

hometown of Las Vegas (Studio A). 

In addition to her touring band of Cowherd (piano), John Beasley (B-3), John Ellis (tenor and

soprano sax, bass clarinet) and Rick Margitza (tenor sax), her ensemble on HAPPY PEOPLE

includes leading Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, Cuban bassist Carlito Del Puerto, drummer

Marcus Gilmore (a onetime member of Chick Corea’s Spanish Heart Band), Peruvian born

percussionist Alex Acuna (formerly of Weather Report), and French percussionist Mino Cinelu.

The U.S.-born backing musicians include saxophonist David Binney and bassist James Genus. 

Says Pata: “Producing and co-writing the album ‘Happy People’ with Andy James and Jon

Cowherd was an absolute joy. This project beautifully reflects Andy’s incredible journey through

years of living in Spain as both a flamenco and jazz artist. The talent that came together on this

album is nothing short of breathtaking!”

Adds Cowherd: “It has been an incredible experience working on ‘Happy People,’ and I’m so

honored to have been a part of it on so many levels involving writing, arranging, playing and

producing.  The task of combining the traditional rhythms and forms of Flamenco with Jazz

presented a new and exciting opportunity and I am very grateful to Andy James & Piero Pata for

inviting me to the table. I couldn’t be more excited about the release of this collection of songs

performed so sublimely and passionately by Andy.”

James will also be performing at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles on March 5 for

a special album release performance backed by Cowherd, Acuna, Chico Pinheiro, Eric Wheeler,

Clarence Penn and David Binney. To purchase tickets check out: HERE.

About Andy James:

After many years as an internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer, based in Madrid, and

traveling the globe with some of the genre’s most acclaimed musicians and performers - from big

theaters in Spain to venues in France, Germany, Czech Republic and Japan (the largest market

for flamenco music in the world) - James toured the world.  Leaving the flamenco circuit for a

new life in the U.S., James began casually recording her favorite jazz standards, making an artful

transition into jazz, both as a singer of heartfelt originals and stellar interpreter of timeless

classics and jazz renditions of the Great American Songbook era and beyond when she released

her debut album, CARAVAN, in 2018.  

While in Spain, she had participated in players jams at clubs such as Café Madrid, so she felt

right at home when she decided to start performing at jazz clubs across the United States,

including venues in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, as well as throughout California.

Additionally, she has headlined at prestigious Jazz Festivals across Europe. James and Piero Pata

formed an independent label, Le Coq Records to release her music, working with acclaimed

veteran jazz musicians including John Patitucci, Vinnie Colauita, Nate Smith, Nicholas Payton

Terell Stafford, Alex Acuna, Rick Margitza, Chico Pinheiro, and many more.  Previous albums

in James’ discography include: CARAVAN (2018), SHARED LIVES (2019), BLUE (2019),

AN EVENING WITH/ ANDY JAMES AND JOHN PATITUCCI (2021), TU AMOR (2021)

RHYTHM IN NEW YORK (2021) and LET ME SEE YOUR HEART (2024). 

Follow Andy James on Instagram at @AndyJamesJazz and please visit: www.andyjames.com.

Nick Egan Times: Andy James Interview (Episode 126)

On this episode, we have an impressive guest! We have the multi-talented artist: Andy James! Andy’s latest album, ‘Let Me See Your Heart’ - Showcases Andy’s love for jazz with fresh takes on timeless classics, including a captivating rendition of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”! Andy’s brilliant journey began, as an internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer, performing across the before shifting into the world of jazz! Andy, is also working on an exciting & tremendous new upcoming flamenco vocal project, that include legends like Carlos Santana!

Andy James Five Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in the Music Industry

By Yitzi Weiner

We think the most important ideas to spread are equality, kindness, and understanding. If everyone were more equal, it might help reduce the conflicts and turmoil we’re seeing today. We know perfect equality isn’t possible — people have different luck and abilities, and that affects everything — but a bit more balance could ease the wars and political strife we’re facing, like what’s happening with Israel. Kindness, peace, and tranquility are also crucial, but they’re hard to achieve when everyone is stuck on their own side, whether it’s far left or far right. If more people could meet in the middle, we’d all be happier. We consider ourselves centrists, trying to see both sides, but it’s difficult. We know we can’t solve the world’s problems — none of us can; it’s way above our pay grade. So we focus on singing, performing, and helping people find a sense of tranquility and calm. It would be great if the world could settle down, and we believe it will because nothing lasts forever. Everything works out in the end…. Click Here for more

Andy James Releases Jazz Rendition of “New York State of Mind”

Jazz vocalist Andy James from Las Vegas, NV put out her own rendition of the Billy Joel classic, “New York State of Mind.” The song, which is accompanied by a music video, is the latest single from her upcoming album, Let Me See Your Heart.

Andy James has been a part of the entertainment industry for years. As an experienced dancer in Europe and a passionate Jazz singer, her music contains musings of her many experiences. She significantly expresses personal messages in her originals and adds new perspectives to beloved jazz songs.

Let Me See Your Heart is James’ fifth album which she will release on August 9 on Le Coq Records. The album features contributions from a variety of renowned jazz musicians and frequent collaborators of James. The music includes pianist Jon Cowherd, drummer Nate Smith, percussionist Alex Acuna and bassist John Patitucci. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning keyboardist John Beasley, saxophonist and bass clarinetist John Ellis, guitarist Chico Pinheiro, and organist Ronnie Foster have features.

The new rendition of “New York State of Mind” is a melting pot of sounds, creating a refreshing alternative to the classic piano ballad. The new perspective is exciting, providing a larger and more upbeat combination of instruments and including a female vocalist. The song reflects James’ jazz beginnings of casually recording songs that spoke to her. James ensured that the song upheld the personal and relaxed value while giving it a fresh spin.

For me, the song that best sums up everything that’s great about this album may, in fact, be ‘New York State of Mind’ – it sounds so new and so different, not only does it makes me feel like I never really heard the song before, but it makes me look at the city itself with whole new eyes.  For a lifelong New Yorker, that’s really saying something.

Will Friedwald, Jazz Critic

Andy James is currently on tour, having just played shows at The Cutting Room in New York City, as well as a show in Nashville at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Next, she returns to Europe for a series of shows throughout July and August.

Andy James to Release New Album “Let Me See Your Heart”

Vocalist Andy James to Release New Album “Let Me See Your Heart”

Entrancing Vocalist Andy James Asks,
Let Me See Your Heart on Her Sumptuous New Album for Le Coq Records

Available Aug 9TH 2024 on All Streaming Platforms and CD Worldwide.

All-Star Line-Up Includes John Patitucci, Alex Acuña, John Beasley, Jon Cowherd, Nate Smith, Chico Pinheiro, Ronnie Foster, John Ellis and Others

The title of vocalist Andy James’ latest album is stated as a request, but one listen to Let Me See Your Heart and it becomes clear that James is simply hoping that her audience will reciprocate what she’s already offered. On her most open and vulnerable recording to date, James reveals her heart and soul with each lyric.

Due out August 9th from Le Coq Records, the label that James co-founded with her husband, producer, and co-songwriter Piero Pata, Let Me See Your Heart is graced by the ever-expanding stable of stellar musicians that the imprint has become known for. The all-star ensemble for this date includes percussionist Alex Acuña, bassists John Patitucci, James Genus and Eric Wheeler, pianist Jon Cowherd, keyboardist John Beasley, organist Ronnie Foster, trumpeter Terell Stafford, saxophonists Joel Frahm and John Ellis, flutist Bob Sheppard, trombonist Michael Dease, guitarists Chico Pinheiro, Steve Cardenas, Larry Koonse and Paul Jackson Jr., and drummers Nate Smith, Clarence Penn, Rudy Royston and Johnathan Blake, with arrangements provided by Cowherd and Bill Cunliffe.

The line-up of musicians who breathe life into this music – in the process, showing us their own individual and collective hearts – comprises a who’s who of modern jazz greats. They have also become near and dear to the hearts of James and Pata, and integral to the unified and brilliant sound of Le Coq Records.

The album opens with a funky twist on the Dave Brubeck classic “Take Five,” penned by Paul Desmond with lyrics by Carmen McRae, its famous 5/4 tempo given a sleek contouring reminiscent of Steely Dan. Despite the set’s introspective themes, James made sure to include several more upbeat numbers to showcase the breadth of her influences as well as the many shapes that these feelings of love and loss can assume.

“I gave careful consideration to the more uptempo songs on the album,” she explains. “I felt the record needed those numbers because I found it oh, so very tempting to just compile beautiful, somber songs to stick to my melancholy sentiments.”

In addition to “Take Five,” James also selected Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” a wistful ode to a city that the singer has always adored and to which she paid tribute on her 2022 album Rhythm in New York; and gives an urgent, insistent read of the standard “All or Nothing at All” in Cowherd’s briskly swinging arrangement.

There is no shortage of ballads on the album, however. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “Bali Hai,” from South Pacific, finds James pining for another far-off island – a tropical one this time, rather than the urban jungle of Manhattan. It opens as a tender duet with Cowherd before Acuña’s shimmering percussion ushers in the band and its gently rocking rhythm suggesting gently lapping waves.

An expanded ensemble – highlighted by Bob Sheppard’s alto flute and the guitars of Larry Koonse and Steve Cardenas – gives a lush, dreamlike atmosphere to “Photograph,” best known for Sarah Vaughan’s version. Regret tinges the last-call desolation of “For Every Man There’s a Woman,” while Cowherd gives a stark, minimal framing to the timeless lament “Danny Boy.” John Ellis’ bass clarinet summons a low, moaning mournfulness for Michel Legrand’s “I Was Born in Love with You;” the same composer, along with lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman, was also responsible for “I Will Say Goodbye,” which closes the album on a valedictory note.

In addition to these favorites, James contributes three originals to the session. The title track, written with Pata, Cunliffe and James, features Ronnie Foster’s B3 weaving blues filigrees around James’ entreating melodies, while “Let’s Try” brings back Ellis’ bass clarinet for a searching call and response with the vocalist. “Let’s Talk of Love” brims with a breezy optimism, buoyant with an old-fashioned swing made weightless by Royston’s elegant touch.

This captivating collection is perfectly crafted to offer a balm for troubled spirits. James’ smoky, enrapturing voice is a direct conduit for the emotion of a song, free of extraneous adornments. Another way of reading the album’s title is as James’ approach to her material; she delves deep into a lyric in search of its expressive heart, exposing its deepest meanings to those of us listening in.

“The songs on this album are all closely felt in my thoughts these days,” she says. “I wanted to convey to everyone who likes my work that love can be lost and then found once again, no matter what passes in life. Whether in my writing or in choosing covers, I hoped people will feel what I felt when I connected with these songs.”

Andy James • Let Me See Your Heart
Le Coq Records • Digital Release Date: June 7, 2024; CD Release Date: July 5, 2024
Recorded at Studio A, Las Vegas, and at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles
Produced by Piero J. Pata and Andy James

News: Andy James and The Jon Cowherd Sextet Debut in Europe

The Sextet Features Pianist Jon Cowherd, Percussionist Alex Acuña, Guitarist Chico Pinheiro, Drummer Jeff Ballard, Saxophonist John Ellis and Bassist Christopher Thomas

The Las Vegas-based jazz label Le Coq Records, founded in 2020, makes its European debut this December with dates in France and Italy. The European tour will span eight dates in seven cities.

"Honest jazz," that's the succinct but profound guiding principle behind Le Coq Records, as cited by founder Piero Pata. "Deceptively simple, it's a foundational tenet that promises a wide-ranging yet incisively curated catalogue of virtuoso veterans and rising stars, vigorous swing and ebullient Latin rhythms, traditional jazz values and sophisticated modern sensibilities."

The Jon Cowherd Sextet showcases a number of artists and players who comprise the diverse Le Coq arsenal, including pianist Jon Cowherd, percussionist Alex Acuña, guitarist Chico Pinheiro, drummer Jeff Ballard, saxophonist John Ellis and bassist Christopher Thomas.

Tour Dates

Friday, December 8 - Paris, France // Le Barbizon

Saturday, December 9 - Paris, France // Le Barbizon

Sunday, December 10 - Bergamo, Italy // Druso

Monday, December 11 - Florence, Italy // Jazz Club

Wednesday, December 13 - Taranto, Italy // Stazione 37

Thursday, December 14 - Messina, Italy // Retronouveau

Friday, December 15 - Naples, Italy // Salvo D'Acquisto

Saturday, December 16 - Rome, Italy // Alexanderplatz

Andy James release a cover of the late Luther Vandross classic "Dance with My Father”

In honor of Father's Day, Andy James, the enigmatic vocalist and songwriter, has bestowed upon us a soul-stirring rendition of the late Luther Vandross' timeless classic, "Dance with My Father". With a voice that resonates with both power and tenderness, James pays homage to the cherished memories of paternal love and the irreplaceable bond between father and daughter . James infuses her own heartfelt emotion into every note, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia and longing. Her interpretation breathes new life into the beloved anthem, reminding us of the enduring significance of family and the profound impact of a father's love. Through his soulful delivery, Andy James invites listeners to embrace the cherished moments and celebrate the enduring legacy of paternal affection. This single release stands not only as a tribute to Luther Vandross' musical legacy but also as a poignant reminder of the profound connections that shape our lives.

Available now on all streaming Platforms Link