José James

<p>One of my favorite Christmas albums of 2021 was Merry Christmas from <a href='https://www.josejamesmusic.com'>José James</a>, which featured the jazz vocalist in a classic quartet that included pianist Aaron Parks. </p> <p>We talked in 2021 and ran part of the conversation last holiday season, but we covered a lot of ground, some of it COVID-related but a lot of it focused on James and the way he bridges musical genres. We chew on jazz, hip-hop, and some of the subtle challenges involved in making Christmas music. The music's good, but I also love the way he turns conventional narratives and hierarchies on their head. It's tempting to give jazz musical primacy--certainly here in New Orleans--but he talks about how hip-hop set him on his jazz journey.</p> <p>If you want more Christmas music news, follow 12 Songs on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/twelvesongsofchristmas'>Facebook</a>, and if you miss any episodes, you can find them at your podcast provider or <a href='https://www.twelvesongsofchristmas.com'>TwelveSongsOfChristmas.com</a>. </p>