Description
2013, 2×12″ LP, Blue Note.
Former Brownswood staple and Gilles Peterson fave Jose James enjoyed something of a breakthrough in 2010, with an album that looked to Moodymann and Flying Lotus for inspiration. Here, he returns to his jazz roots with an album for Blue Note that pits his gorgeous baritone vocals against a musical mix that’s as slick, warm and soulful as you’d expect. The 12 tracks flit between neo-soul, cosy jazz-funk, acoustic soul, hip-hop soul and trad jazz, with hissing beats, flowing pianos and shuffling grooves at every turn. James is a class act who rarely disappoints, and No Beginning No End should impress familiar fans and excited newcomers alike. – Juno
