Denver Jazz Fest Presents: José James

‘Radio-friendly songcraft and virtuoso flair.’ —NPR Music

We are thrilled to present José James and his latest visionary project, Facing East: The Music of John Coltrane, for a transcendent evening where the spiritual legacy of a jazz giant meets the contemporary soul of a modern icon.

With Facing East, James turns his focus to his self-professed “musical father,” John Coltrane, continuing a profound musical exploration of the iconic composer’s work during the centennial year of his birth. Performing a setlist spanning Coltrane’s early days as a bandleader on Atlantic Records to his dynamic later work for Impulse! Records, James honors one of the most brilliant composers, improvisers, and balladeers in jazz history.

James — known as the jazz singer for the hip-hop generation — uses his velvet baritone to transform the instrumental canon of John Coltrane into a vocal tour-de-force. This is not a traditional tribute; it is a bold reinvention. By blending the spiritual intensity of Coltrane with modern R&B and soul sensibilities, James creates a sound that is deeply respectful of tradition yet effortlessly accessible to new listeners.

James is backed by a world-class ensemble that features the virtuosity of saxophonist Ebban Dorsey, the imposing pianist Jahari Stampley (2023 Thelonious Monk International Competition winner), the melodic depth of bassist Or Baraket and the rhythmic power of drummer Otis Brown III.

José James: vocals

Jahari Stampley: piano

Or Bareket: bass

Otis Brown III: drums

Ebban Dorsey: saxophone

2 Show Times

Tickets - 7:00 PM

Tickets - 9:30 PM