Singer-songwriter José James is releasing Lean On Me, a tribute album including 12 of Bill Withers' most undeniable and soulful songs produced by Blue Note president Don Was and recorded in Capitol's legendary Studio B with a dream team band: Pino Palladino (bass), Kris Bowers (keys), Brad Allen Williams (guitar) and Nate Smith (drums). Withers' nuanced perspective on romantic love rings out: the ache of “Ain't No Sunshine,” echoed by Bowers' expressive Rhodes; the celebration of vulnerability on “Use Me,” featuring Takuya Kuroda's Voodoo-evoking brass arrangements; and the bittersweet balladry of “Hello Like Before,” here in a dreamy hue. And then there's “Lovely Day,” which displays Lalah Hathaway's voice dancing along with James’ to all that ineffable joy.
Tracklist:
Ain’t No Sunshine
Grandma’s Hands
Lovely Day feat. Lalah Hathaway
Lean On Me
Kissing My Love
Use Me
Who Is He
Hello Like Before
Just The Two Of Us
Hope She’ll Be Happier
The Same Love That Made Me Laugh
Better Off Dead
1. Ain’t No Sunshine 3:18 Acoustic Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Keyboards [Rhodes], Organ [Hammond] – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
2. Grandma’s Hands 4:13 Acoustic Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Bass – Pino Palladino Congas, Shaker, Tambourine – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Organ [Hammond], Piano – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
3. Lovely Day 4:17 Arranged By [Horn], Trumpet – Takuya Kuroda Bass – Pino Palladino Drums, Shaker – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Featuring – Lalah Hathaway Keyboards [Rhodes], Organ – Kris Bowers Trombone – Corey King Vocals – José James, Lalah Hathaway Written-By – Bill Withers, Clarence Alexander Scar
4. Lean On Me 5:00 Acoustic Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Bass – Pino Palladino Drums – Nate Smith Handclaps – José James, Talia Billig Organ [Hammond, Wurlitzer], Piano – Kris Bowers Shaker – Lenny Castro Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
5. Kissing My Love 5:35 Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums, Tambourine – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Flute – Dave McMurray Piano – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
6. Use Me 4:43 Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Arranged By [Horn], Trumpet – Takuya Kuroda Bass – Pino Palladino Drums, Shaker – Nate Smith Organ [Hammond] – Kris Bowers Saxophone – Marcus Strickland Trombone – Corey King Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
7. Who Is He 3:45 Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Organ [Hammond] – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
8. Hello Like Before 6:29 Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Piano, Keyboards [Rhodes] – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers, John Collins (6)
9. Just The Two Of Us 4:26 Arranged By [Horn], Trumpet – Takuya Kuroda Bass – Pino Palladino Congas, Shaker – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Keyboards [Rhodes] – Kris Bowers Saxophone – Marcus Strickland Trombone – Corey King Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers, Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
10. Hope She’ll Be Happier 4:52 Bass – Pino Palladino Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Organ [Hammond] – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
11. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh 3:21 Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Keyboards [Rhodes] – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
12. Better Off Dead 4:50 Bass – Pino Palladino Congas – Lenny Castro Drums – Nate Smith Electric Guitar – Brad Allen Williams Organ [Hammond], Piano – Kris Bowers Vocals – José James Written-By – Bill Withers
