Andy James - Happy People (CD)

With Happy People, vocalist Andy James unveils her most personal and adventurous project to date—a vibrant 16-track journey that fuses her two lifelong passions: jazz and flamenco. Co-written and produced by Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd, the album brings together an ensemble of world-class American and Latin jazz musicians, blending fiery rhythms with soulful lyricism to explore the many shades of love and human connection.

Recorded in New York, Rome, Seville, and Las Vegas, Happy People reflects James’ international life story. Before becoming a celebrated jazz vocalist, she was a world-renowned flamenco dancer, and here she channels that heritage into music that is both deeply intimate and universally uplifting.

From the soaring title track to the passionate single “To Be So Young” (featuring Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro), James captures the essence of flamenco’s intensity and jazz’s freedom, weaving them into a seamless tapestry of sound. Supported by luminaries such as Marcus Gilmore, Alex Acuña, Mino Cinelu, David Binney, James Genus, John Beasley, and Rick Margitza, the album celebrates rhythm, romance, and resilience.

At its core, Happy People is both a celebration and a reflection—a testament to the joy of collaboration and the power of music to unite cultures, genres, and hearts.