(*) impulse! = A jazz label where saxophonist John Coltrane, who had the greatest musical influence on Jose James, was active in the 1960s. 'For All We Know' was the first new release for impulse! in six years, since the release of Alice Coltrane's posthumous work in 2004.

──Since around last year, Blue Note seems to have become even more powerful. With works like Robert Glasper's and your 'For All We Know,' there's a sense of a new Blue Note emerging. On this album, particularly with your vocals, you sound more relaxed than ever, with a sense of ease in the best way. I felt a certain looseness.



It's the first time anyone has told me that my looseness was good, and I'm very happy to hear it. That's probably thanks to Leon Ware. I had the opportunity to visit his home in Los Angeles and see how he produced his music. He told me stories about Marvin Gaye and his time working at Motown, and through our conversations, I learned that music isn't something created alone, but rather something that comes to life through the involvement of many wonderful artists.

As a result of that, I ended up collaborating with Pino Palladino, and songs like 'Make It Right' and 'No Beginning No End' came into being. Collaborating with other artists was one of the things I tried for the first time with this album, and it worked out very well. It was an incredibly valuable experience, and it allowed me to focus more intensely on my singing.

Each song was crafted with great care, which is why the production took time. When I was producing 'The Dreamer,' I had to work on multiple songs simultaneously without focusing on just one, but this time, I didn't have those constraints, so I believe the relaxed mood during production is reflected in the album.

──With 'No Beginning No End,' rather than judging the songs' quality at first listen, it's like a great film; the more you listen, the more new discoveries you make each time, and it gradually seeps into your body. I, myself, am looking forward to the new discoveries I'll make as I continue to listen.

Of course, there are still elements that are distinctly Jose James, carrying on from his previous work, but you can feel a New Orleans vibe in the rhythm, and there are folk elements... there are new approaches here and there. As you continue to evolve, it's natural for your sound to change, but how do these new approaches come about?

There were several things I wanted to try this time, and one of them was to work with new people and incorporate their worldview into the album. For example, people like Chris Dave who create unpredictable rhythms, people like Carole King and Stevie Wonder who are excellent songwriters, and people like Emily King and Fink who have outstanding compositional skills... I wanted to create songs with such individuals and bring their perspectives into the album. While I didn't intend to make every song that way, I wanted to create music that resonates with people's hearts, pouring my soul into it. At the same time, I aimed for an album that delivers exceptionally unique and interesting sounds.

Looking Ahead to the Japan Tour in February

──Indeed, various elements were incorporated, but they were blended with such exquisite balance that I felt a very smooth impression overall. Above all, the combination and sense of balance were superb. I felt I glimpsed a new facet of the artist Jose James. The album will finally reach your hands on January 16th next year, and a Japan tour is also scheduled for Valentine's Day in February. Please tell us your current feelings about this upcoming tour.

The band members this time are exceptionally talented, so I truly hope you'll look forward to it. On drums is Richard Spaven. On bass is Solomon Dorsey, who produced one of the tracks on the album, 'Do You Feel,' and also provides backing vocals. He has a playing style similar to Pino Palladino, so we call him 'Little Pino.' On piano is Chris Bowers, a winner of the Thelonious Monk Competition who is currently touring with Marcus Miller. On trumpet is Takuya Kuroda, on trombone is Corey King, and our special guest will be Emily King. We are currently in the midst of promotions in America, with appearances on several TV shows planned. We're also holding release parties in Los Angeles and New York, so I'm really looking forward to it.



──I'm really looking forward to the album release and your Japan tour in February.



Thank you.

──Last time you were in the studio, you mentioned Duke Ellington's 'Take the 'A' Train' as an influential song. So, if you had to choose one song from Leon Ware's work that most influenced you in making this album, what would it be?

It would be 'Angel' from Marvin Gaye's album 'I Want You.' This album was the first one produced from start to finish by a single producer at Motown. Both the songs and the lyrics are superb, and it's one of my favorite albums.

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