José James – 1978 | Numbered Vinyl

Evolution of Ideas and Inspirations

Material-wise, James had been ready for a while. He had worked on new songs even while touring behind his albums No Beginning No End 2 and On & On. “Many of the songs on 1978 began to come together about five years ago. Those ideas evolved, and once we had the group together it all really came together fast.”

Musical Vision and Fusion

“I had a writing session with Leon back in 2009 in L.A. at his house in Marina Del Rey. He rolled one and we talked for hours about jazz, Motown and Marvin. I Want You is my all-time favorite album—relaxed grooves and jazz flavors. I wanted 1978 to feel like Leon and J Dilla had come together and made an album for me.”

Talented Collaborators

The performances are supported by a lean-and-lithe lineup of young talent and unexpected collaborators: guitarist Marcus Machado, keyboardist Chad Selph, bassist David Ginyard, drummer Jharis Yokley, and featured guest Latin conguero Pedrito Martinez.

Timeless Relevancy and Personal Connection

José James’s 1978 draws its power from both timeless relevancy and a deep sense of the personal. It is a richly layered musical statement connecting both to the present day and to past sounds and styles—a sincere and seductive valentine to his love of jazz, soul, and hip-hop.