First Listen: Jose James and Marcus Machado shine on soulful ballad

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    (March 6, 2020) Now here’s a teaming of talents that we can really get behind.

    Many SoulTrackers know the name Jose James. The singer has emerged over the last decade as one of the most consistently interesting vocalists around. His recognizable baritone has a classic feel, and he has courageously avoided getting stylistically pigeonholed, moving from R&B to jazz to even hip hop with ease.

    Over the past year, we’ve covered a less familiar name: Marcus Machado is one of the most respected young guns in the music business. A child guitar prodigy once labeled as “Young Jimi Hendrix,” Machado has grown to be a force and one of the most sought-after guitarists around, having worked with a "who's who" of artists ranging from Lalah Hathaway to Robert Glasper to Living Colour.

    (March 6, 2020) Now here’s a teaming of talents that we can really get behind.

    Many SoulTrackers know the name Jose James. The singer has emerged over the last decade as one of the most consistently interesting vocalists around. His recognizable baritone has a classic feel, and he has courageously avoided getting stylistically pigeonholed, moving from R&B to jazz to even hip hop with ease.

    Over the past year, we’ve covered a less familiar name: Marcus Machado is one of the most respected young guns in the music business. A child guitar prodigy once labeled as “Young Jimi Hendrix,” Machado has grown to be a force and one of the most sought-after guitarists around, having worked with a "who's who" of artists ranging from Lalah Hathaway to Robert Glasper to Living Colour.

    The two talented artist get together on a beautiful new ballad from James’ new album No Beginning No End 2. A song that skirts the always interesting line between soul and country, “Miss Me When I’m Gone” has a cool nighttime feel that would have fit well in Memphis, circa 1970.

    Check out “Miss Me When I’m Gone,” and welcome this impressive pairing to SoulTracks.

    By Chris Rizik

    Jose James feat. Marcus Machado
    “Miss Me When I’m Gone”