For well over six months I’ve been raving about the vocal stylings of Mr. Jose James. The Minneapolis native has made London home and has developed a major following overseas.He’s recorded two critically acclaimed CD’s on producer/DJ Giles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings imprint. Both “Dreamer” and his recent “Blacksmagic” pushed the envelop on how jazz and soul can mix and bring a new identity to both jazz standards and modern contemporary music.

“For All We Know” features Belgium born jazz pianist Jef Neve. This is the first release under the Impulse Records label; the label that produced such legends like John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Johnny Hartman, and Pharaoh Sanders. Both Jose and Jef create magic on this recording of jazz standards, a major feat at a time when the jazz world is inundated with female jazz vocalists. Jose’s baritone vocal style is needed and appreciated and is taking the music to new and refreshing heights.

Pianist Jef Neve on the other hand, compliments Jose’s relaxed and cool performance style.The two of them performing classics like “Autumn In New York,” “Tenderly,” “Lush Life,” and “Body and Soul” give new life to the great American Songbook. Neve is about to blow up here in the States and deserves much more credit and respect. He’s gentle giant on the keys and his range shows when he plays a blues ballad to a straight ahead jazz classic.

It’s only June, but “For All We Know” is on my top ten must have jazz recordings of 2010. Make sure you support both Jose and Jef.

For more information and to find out upcoming performances visit them on the web at josejamesmusic.com or jefneve.be.