BORN IN CALIFORNIA.

Birth Of The West Coast celebrates the artists and arrangers who pioneered the West Coast Jazz, (a.k.a. ‘Cool Jazz’) era.

A truly natural melodic and rhythmic improviser, James his voice to uncover new magic from this incredible chapter in American music history!

After taking a trip though the world-famous ‘Dek-tette’ sound that was epitomized by James’ father Mel and legendary arranger Marty Paich (and later by Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr.) the jaw-dropping work of Capitol Records’ Russ Garcia and Pete Rugolo, and the brilliant sophistication of Johnny Mandel and Bill Holman, we explore the smokey, hard-hitting arrangements of Billy May and Shorty Rogers and the delicate touch of Bill Byers. Using his characteristic self-effacing sense of humor, James puts these iconic figures and their music into perspective, sharing funny ‘inside story’ anecdotes about them, along the way.

From Ella Fitzgerald’s “Black Magic” and “Whisper Not”, Ray Charles’ “Margie”, Peggy Lee’s “Come Back To Me”, and Mel Tormé’s “Too Close For Comfort”, “Too Darn Hot”, “No Moon At All” and “Hi-Fly”, the second-generation vocal star grants us unique access these incredible mid-century gems, one at a time, to take them to the next level. With shades of other major influences, including Chet Baker, Anita O’Day, Nat ‘King’ Cole, June Christy, Chris Connor and Lou Rawls, Birth Of The West Coast is a musical experience no other artist can offer.

*Can be performed with Big Band, Dek-tette jazz group (with 8 horns), Little Big Band (with 6 horns) or smaller formats, including jazz quintet, quartet and trio.

A FEW TITLES FROM BIRTH OF THE WEST COAST:

“That Old Black Magic” / “Whisper Not”
(Ella Fitzgerald / arr. Marty Paich)

“Swingin’ On The Moon” / “No Moon at All”
(Mel Tormé / arr. Russ Garcia)

“Margie”
(Ray Charles / arr. Marty Paich)

“Feeling Good”
(Chris Connor / arr. Bill Byers)

“Down For Double” / “Don’t Get Around Much Any More”
(Mel Tormé / arr. Johnny Mandel)

“At The Crossroads / Malegueña”
(Mel Tormé / arr. Billy May)

“On The Street Where You Live” / Lulu’s Back In Town / The Lady is a Tramp / The Way You Look Tonight / Whatever Lola Wants / Fascinating Rhythm / Lullaby of Birdland
(Mel Tormé / arr. Marty Paich)

“Come Back To Me”
(Peggy Lee / arr. Bill Holman)

“Moanin’ ” / “Green Dolphin Street” / Hi-Fly
(Mel Tormé / arr. Shorty Rogers)

“Four Brothers”
(Anita / arr. Marty Paich)