www.josejames.com

In a nutshell: Panamanian Irish jazz dude Jose James is a deeply soulful young singer in his mid-twenties with a delivery like a super smooth Gil Scott-Heron. Here on his mostly self penned debut, Jose hits a rich, loose groove. No surprise then that when Gilles Peterson heard his version of Coltrane’s classic tune Equinox he immediately signed him to his thriving young label, Brownswood. Indeed, you have to admire Jose’s class in flying to London from his native Brooklyn and slipping his demo into GP’s hand at a club. The Dreamer was recorded in New York with Jose’s regular band and guests, including legendary pianist Junior Mance. The album oozes effortless class.