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.
