John Patitucci a Band Member on Jose James’ Homage to Billie Holiday
Jazz bassist John Patitucci, known for his work with Chick Corea, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Wayne Shorter, lent his talents to vocalist José James’ latest, Yesterday I Had The Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday.
Released on Blue Note and produced by Blue Note President Don Was (also a bassist), the album also features pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland.
James discovered Holiday’s music as a teenager, and he always learned from her music. “Billie Holiday made me want to be a jazz singer and set me on the path that I’m walking today.” His album comes a century after the April 7, 1915 birth of Holiday, who is known not only for her legendary jazz vocals, but also her short, tragic life.
James and his band have a unique take on Holiday standards. You can get a taste of the album’s sound in its trailer:
Yesterday I Had The Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday is available on CD and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
Yesterday I Had The Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday Track List:
- Good Morning Heartache
- Body and Soul
- Fine and Mellow
- I Thought About You
- What a Little Moonlight Can Do
- Tenderly
- Lover Man
- God Bless the Child
- Strange Fruit
