Yesterday I Had The Blues - The Music of Billie Holiday

Acclaimed vocalist José James releases his new album, Yesterday I Had The Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday, a tribute to the legendary singer in honor of Holiday's 100th birthday. James celebrates the woman he refers to as his "musical mother" with this stunning set of 9 songs written or popularized by Holiday. The album, which was produced by Blue Note president Don Was, features a stellar band including pianist Jason Moran, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Eric Harland.

"My first clear musical memory is of Billie Holiday," writes James in the album's liner notes. "Billie's voice floated through our house - grand, warm, intimate, and wholly unique." Those same words could certainly be applied to James' own voice, a versatile baritone that is distinct in its richness and expressiveness, as can be heard on his two previous albums No Beginning No End and While You Were Sleeping.

"I rediscovered Billie during a difficult period of my teenage years," continues James. "As much as I loved Nirvana, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest, her music spoke to me on a much deeper level. Her work was mastery - of pain, of trauma, of faith in music and the power of transformation. I had found my teacher. Billie Holiday made me want to be a jazz singer and set me on the path that I'm walking today."