Internationally-acclaimed jazz singer with hip-hop influences, José James, released his third lead single off of his forthcoming "1978" album last Friday, March 8. The song, dubbed "Dark Side of the Sun," also features Congolese-Belgian rapper and filmmaker Baloji.
The single, which is now available on all major streaming platforms via his own music publishing company, Rainbow Blonde Records, is a retrospective record tackling the despair of a generation that lost its connection with its heroes and instead deals with the anxiety inherited through corporate fame.
Behind José James and Baloji's 'Dark Side of the Sun'
Sonically, the song is a masterful modern flip to the soundscapes of the 1970s, shaped by the Grammy-nominated composer Talia Bilig and her multi-dimensional string arrangements alongside drummer Jharis Yokley's "in-the-pocket" beats.
"Dark Side of the Sun" also marks the completion of a collaborative project between James and Baloji 11 years in the making, when the duo first met back in 2013 and forged a longstanding friendship with each other.
Since then, the two have been encountering each other during their respective tours and both have expressed the desire to work together during this long period.
After over a decade, that wish came to fruition in the form of a politically charged track calling for unity amidst highly turbulent times, which the song perpetuates through its use of multiple languages.
Through this cross-cultural integration, the track is continuing the tradition of global black music that started back when its forerunners Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder first started the movement.
Listen to "Dark Side of the Sun" below:
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'1978': A Reflection of José James' Life
James' twelfth studio album, '1978,' which is bound for April 5, is perhaps the artist's most autobiographical work yet.
Is first half dives deep into the sweetness of romance and the bitterness of heartbreak as themes, while in the other half, James explores his own experiences as a Black-Latino kid growing up in an often tempestuous and demanding environment.
This particular project also marks James' return to the producer role since the release of his first album as an artist, "The Dreamer."
As part of the NYC Winter Jazz Fest, the forthcoming album project was first introduced live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. This coming Spring, he'll be returning to "The Big Apple" to perform in a week-long residency at the city's famed spot, the Blue Note Jazz Club.
Besides this, James also has a series of international performances across a Europe tour lined up, which comprises venues like Ronnie Scott's in London, New Morning in Paris, and the Mojo Club in Hamburg.
Full List of Tour Dates:
April 23 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
April 24 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
April 25 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
April 26 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
April 27 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
April 28 - Blue Note Jazz Club - New York, NY
May 9 - Lensic Performing Arts Center - Santa Fe, NM
May 25 - Het Depot - Leuven, Belgium
May 26 - Mojo Club - Hamburg, Germany
May 27 - Paradiso - Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 28 - La Briqueterie - Schiltigheim, France
May 29 - New Morning - Paris, France
May 30 - Théâtre Lino Ventura - Nice, France
May 31 - Ronnie Scott's - London, U.K.
June 1 - Ronnie Scott's - London, U.K.
June 3 - Club Porgy & Bess - Vienna, Austria
June 4 - Moods - Zurich, Switzerland
June 5 - Cosmopolite Scene - Oslo Norway
"1978" Complete Tracklist:
Let's Get It
Isis & Osiris
Planet Nine
Saturday Night (Need You Now)
Black Orpheus (Don't Look Back)
Dark Side Of The Sun feat. Baloji
Place Of Worship feat. Xenia França
For Trayvon
38th & Chicago
