Three years after his appearance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – a night that left a lasting impression and was described by many as “the concert of the decade” – internationally acclaimed contemporary jazz singer José James returns to Athens. On Monday, July 6, he will perform at the Lycabettus Theatre, in an intimate setting close to the audience, in a special concert that highlights his mature, personal style and effortless stage presence.
The performance is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of I Want You, a timeless work and one of the most sensual and groundbreaking albums in music history. Created by the legendary Leon Ware for Motown Records, the album became a landmark in jazz and R&B, influencing generations of artists, from Prince and D’Angelo to Mary J. Blige, Sade and Kendrick Lamar.
José James, who collaborated with Leon Ware on his own album No Beginning No End for Blue Note Records, has spoken openly about the influence of Marvin Gaye on his work:
“Marvin Gaye is one of my heroes. He had the courage to transform not only his own music but also the world around him. Through his creativity, he inspired us to seek the deeper meaning of love, and he was fearless in following his spiritual calling.”
“I was blessed to meet and work with Leon Ware before he passed away, and his wisdom was truly profound. During one of our meetings, he told me, ‘You remind me of myself,’ which is the greatest compliment I have ever received. This project is my way of giving back to both Marvin and Leon, honoring their legacy and the love they shared with the world.”
To bring I Want You to life on stage, José James joins forces with the exceptional China Moses, alongside a world-class band featuring guitarist Marcus Machado, bassist David Ginyard and drummer Jharis Yokley. The project will be presented as a more personal and intimate performance with this five-member ensemble.
This atmospheric concert at the Lycabettus Theatre, in close proximity to the audience, will begin with a full performance of I Want You. The artists will then present selections from their own work, highlighting the enduring influence of Marvin Gaye on their music.
More than just a concert, this is a celebration of love, creativity, and the timeless legacy of Marvin Gaye and I Want You.
elc team
