Andy James - Rhythm In New York (CD)

While she grew up in Australia, toured the world as an acclaimed Flamenco dancer, and now calls Las Vegas home, vocalist Andy James has always held a deep affection for New York City. Whether dreaming of the Big Apple from afar or immersing herself in its legendary jazz clubs as both listener and performer, the city has remained a constant source of inspiration.

“New York City – what a town!” James exclaims. “It has always held a special place in my heart. Even as a child in Australia, I would watch the great singers on television performing there and think, ‘If only that could be me!’”

Her newest album for Le Coq Records, Rhythm in New York (out April 15), is both a love letter to and a celebration of the city that never sleeps. With a dazzling mix of timeless standards and vibrant original compositions, James captures the pulse, the energy, and the romance of Manhattan life. True to Le Coq’s reputation, the album features an all-star ensemble of world-class musicians, many of whom have lit up New York’s most storied bandstands.

At the heart of the project is James’ collaboration with John Patitucci, whose masterful bass playing anchors every track. Beyond his instrumental contributions, Patitucci co-wrote several pieces alongside James and his daughter, singer-songwriter Greisun. They’re joined by pianist Jon Cowherd, drummers Nate Smith and Marcus Gilmore, saxophonists Chris Potter and Marcus Strickland, trumpeter Terell Stafford, flutist David Mann, guitarists Adam Rogers and Chico Pinheiro, and percussionists Alex Acuña and Rogerio Boccato. Together, Cowherd and Patitucci arranged all fifteen selections on the album.

James and Patitucci had already deepened their creative partnership with last year’s An Evening with John Patitucci & Andy James, which marked James’ first foray into original songwriting. “Although I’ll always love the classics – who wouldn’t? – I felt it was time to express myself more directly as a songwriter,” James explains. “Working with John and Greisun has been such a joy. They are endlessly talented, and our collaborations always feel effortless.”

Another key creative force is James’ husband and dance partner, Piero Pata, co-founder of Le Coq Records. He contributed to two new pieces, “Time to Think” and “Just in Time.” “Working with Piero comes so naturally,” James shares. “He’ll often catch me humming a melody around the house and then hand it back to me later with lyrics attached. From there, I shape it into something that feels like mine.”

The inspiration behind Rhythm in New York stretches back to James’ earliest visits to the city, when she traveled with her parents on their business trips. As an adult, she returned often, soaking in the nightlife, the seasons, and the musicians who helped shape her own style. “My first walk through Central Park in the snow was unforgettable,” she recalls. “Times Square lit up at night, the endless shows, the thrill of discovering new music in intimate corners of the city. Whether at Birdland or the Village Vanguard, there was always magic to be found.”

Across its fifteen tracks, the album shifts seamlessly through moods and styles – from the Bossa-tinged opener “There Will Never Be Another You” to the lush ballad “Day Dream”, the Flamenco-flavored “El Ritmo”, and the poignant farewell of “I’ll Be Seeing You.” In one striking moment, James even steps back entirely, letting her bandmates take center stage on “Just in Time.”

“New York is a city of love in so many ways,” James reflects. “Its people have shown me that countless times. The beauty of its seasons, the sheer variety of its music – from jazz to opera to Broadway – always leaves me inspired. It will always be one of my favorite places on Earth.”