Lean on me

"James' admiration of the material is evident, but he also feels all of it in his own way. His lithe yet rich baritone is unsurprisingly suited most for the frequent romantic and rare strutting moments. The musicians similarly honor the originals with twists that are subtle, never radical. Each modification fits, whether it's a pristine Bowers Rhodes solo, a Voodoo-like Takuya Kuroda horn arrangement, or a delightfully duetting Lalah Hathaway".

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"Already known for his crisp production values, astute musicianship and eclectic presentations, Jose James delivers again with his tribute to Bill Withers, Lean on Me. The album reaffirms James' signature attention to stylistic pastiche while further refining his thematic focus on the subtleties of human relationships. Here James' narcotic blend is simultaneously steeped in tradition and floats at the horizon of modernity. The beats penetrate with unabashed eroticism. James' voice coos with soul and cuts with the dirty edge of rock 'n roll. The music twists with jazz's precision and artistry as James uses the 12 selections to traverse the landscape of the American vocal tradition".

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"He sounds truly engaged with the material throughout, as his whiskey-sour baritone conveys the rainbow of emotions that distinguishes Withers' music. James deftly articulates simmering vim on "Who Is He," bottomless remorse on "Hope She'll Be Happier" and carefree optimism on "Lovely Day" with poised aplomb, making Lean On Me his most assured effort since The Dreamer".