Original image by There Stands the Glass.
José James characterized himself as “the black Mel Tormé” at Old Church Concert Hall in Portland on Thursday, December 2. He was kidding, but the flippant characterization is apt. James’ interpretation of Tormé’s “The Christmas Song” during the holiday-themed concert echoed the Velvet Fog’s sensibility while adding intimations of contemporary R&B.
The stylish update of conventional crooning delighted the well-heeled audience of about 250. (I paid $36 for a general admission ticket at the door). James’ considerable charisma, compelling stories and honeyed voice elicited several standing ovations. Astonishingly, the f-bombs James dropped while promoting the new album Merry Christmas from José James served to further charm his admirers.
Even so, Christian Sands was the evening’s real star. A former protegé of Christian McBride, Sands is one of the most notable young mainstream jazz pianists. His unflaggingly elegant and thrillingly quick-witted playing revives the swinging sound of Erroll Garner and Ahmad Jamal. The suggestion that Sands plays like an old man is intended as a compliment.
Bassist Daniel Winshall and drummer Jharis Yokley patiently held their own until they were unleashed on a monumental rendition of “My Favorite Things.” The wooly reading applied to the Rodgers and Hammerstein composition was the loudest portion of the evening. The encore was the quietest selection. James and Sands’ hushed duet on “White Christmas” was four sublime minutes of perfection.