José James

Shrug off those dark clouds, those raincoats, those miseries: blissful soul saviour Josév James will deliver you from grey days. His congenial cocktail of sun-lounger blues, ecstatic grooves, clarion hip-hop and sultry jazz have conspired to make him a contemporary star.

Signed to Gilles Petersons impeccable Brownswood imprint, James' inaugural album, The Dreamer a heavenly collection of old school treasures and original gems was released early this year.

Highlights from the New York enchanters debut include a jazz-pimping wig-out with piano dignitary Junior Mance, on Rahsaan Roland Kirks sweltering Spirits Up Above; an urban realignment of Bill Lees glorious Nola; and a euphoric, groove-infused rendering of Freestyle Fellowships Park Bench People.

James own compositions include a candle-lit nu-soul hoe-down, (Red), and a fine line in reclining drum'n'bass, (Love): ace.