I had the pleasure of hosting a special private party at Apogee Studios featuring Jose James’ fabulous group. Thanks to Jason Bentley, who asked me to do it. The show was attended by a energetic and passionate crowd—a great reflection of KCRW—and the band played two amazing sets. The musicians were top-knotch, effortlessly switching from r&b and hip hop to funk, soul and solid jazz grooves. Bob Clearmountain engineered and showed us once again why he’s up there with Alan Sides, Rudy Van Gelder, Tom Dowd and Phil Ramone as one of the great audio engineers on the planet. In fact, I’d say he was behind-the-scenes extra member of the band. The session was recorded and will be rebroadcast soon on Morning Becomes Eclectic. It was a memorable night in all respects.
Congratulations to all the KCRW and Apogee Staff in planning and executing the event. You all did a great job, I was so pleased to have been a small part of it.
Jose James is on Conan O’Brien’s show tonight (12/18) , and his much-anticipated new Blue Note album No Beginning No End comes out in January on the redoubtable Blue Note label.