Known as the jazz singer of the hip-hop generation, José has been considered one of the most progressive soul music artists ever since the release of his debut album The Dreamer in 2008. The 46-year-old American singer and guitarist of Irish and Panamanian origin studied at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York, which allowed him to quickly get to know the genre's metropolitan scene. He has performed in the most important jazz venues and festivals, performing with famous musicians, including the legendary pianist McCoy Tyner.
 
Now on his twelfth studio album, 1978, due out on April 5th, James continues to push the boundaries of modern soul style, combining a deep love of jazz and hip-hop with great songwriting and production skills.
 
The program of songs from the album 1978, which will be performed in Riga, will most directly appeal to fans of the works of such soul music artists as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Prince, but the album does not lack contemporary R'n'B vibes. This is helped by a veritable line-up of emerging stars and Grammy nominees – keyboardist Chad Selph, guitarist Marcus Machado, bassist David Ginyard and drummer Jharis Yokley, all of whom together will also perform with Jose on July 5 in the Riga Cathedral Garden, creating a real Friday night soul and funk party at the festival. 
 
“Catch up with José James now because he's a rarity – an artist evolving at warp speed”, the prestigious American portal NPR Music writes about the upcoming Riga guest, while the LA Times newspaper asks rhetorical questions: “Is José James a jazz singer or a soul singer? Old school or new school? A guardian of tradition or a seeker of thrills? Yes, yes and yes.”
 
The 24th international improvisation, jazz and global music festival Rīgas Ritmi will take place from July 3 to 6 this year. The main concert venue will be Riga Cathedral Garden, where the biggest concerts will be held on July 4 and 5. The stages of the festival will also be in the Riga Jazz Lounge at the hotel Radisson Blu Latvija and the Fenikss Jazz Lounge at the hotel Aston Hotel Riga, while the open master classes of the artists of the festival will take place in the Latvian Radio Studio 1.
 
It is already known that the Italian composer, arranger, pianist and bandoneonist Daniele di Bonaventura will also perform in the Riga Cathedral Garden on July 4, conducting Latvian chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga and performing the program Tango Suite, while on July 5 one of the leading Cuban jazz pianists of the new generation Jorge Luis Pacheco will perform with his quartet before José James.
 
Biļešu paradīze service has already started selling tickets for the Rīgas Ritmi Festival concerts in the Riga Cathedral Garden on July 4 and 5.