LP GATEFOLD EDITION
Singer-songwriter José James is releasing Lean On Me, a tribute album including 12 of Bill Withers' most undeniable and soulful songs produced by Blue Note president Don Was.
Withers' nuanced perspective on romantic love rings out: the ache of “Ain't No Sunshine,” echoed by Bowers' expressive Rhodes; the celebration of vulnerability on “Use Me,” featuring Takuya Kuroda's Voodoo-evoking brass arrangements; and the bittersweet balladry of “Hello Like Before,” here in a dreamy hue. And then there's “Lovely Day,” which displays Lalah Hathaway's voice dancing along with James’ to all that ineffable joy.
PERSONNEL:JOSE JAMES, vocals
PINO PALLADINO, bass
KRIS BOWERS, keys
BRAD ALLEN WILLIAMS, guitar
NATE SMITH, drums
MARCUS STRICKLAND, saxophonist
TAKUYA KURODA, trumpet
LALAH HATHAWAY, guest vocalist
Recorded in Capitol's legendary Studio B.
TRACKLISTING:
SIDE A:
01. Ain't No Sunshine
02. Grandma's Hands
03. Lovely Day Ft. Lalah Hataway
04. Lean On Me
SIDE B:
01. Kissing My Love
02. Use Me
03. Who Is He
04. Hello Like Before
SIDE C:
01. Just The Two Of Us
02. Hope She'll Be Happier
03. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh
04. Better Off Dead.