Nate James: Setting the tone

In three amazing years since he sprung to the critics attention with his debut 'Set The Tone', Nate James has risen to become one of the most successful independent recording artists around the world.

In November 2007 he was crowned Best Soul artist at the Kickers Urban Music Awards, following on from his Italian Festivalbar award for Best International act in 2006. His second album 'Kingdom Falls' was also nominated at the UMAs for Best Album.

Nate's live following continues to grow with a headline gig at Indigo O2 and a sell out show for Switzerland's prestigious AVO Sessions in Basel cementing his reputation at the end of 2007. In early 2008 he will perform his first live shows in the USA and hopes to add another continent to his global success story. With massive airplay hits in Europe & Japan Nate James has sold 200,000 albums and appeared on over 500,000 compilations in the last two years.

Aside for the gratification of performing his self-written songs to the masses, Nate can also be proud that he has done things the hard way by staying independent and keeping ownership of his recording masters. His self-funded Frofunk label has teamed up with various record companies around the world to release his albums in each territory. It might not be the overnight success story that we're used to in this American Idol era but, with two successful and critically acclaimed albums under his belt and a global presence that stands him apart from most British artists, Nate certainly isn't complaining. As the music industry develops, authenticity & longevity are the keys to real success.

His 2007 release of sophomore album 'Kingdom Falls' was described by critics as 'fantastic' and & masterful'. It featured live orchestral arrangements paired with modern beats and Nate's 'honey-lovely' vocals, the new songs such as 'Choke' and 'Outta My Head', songs already well known by the live devotees.

Nate James has toured around the world, headlining festivals and gigs outside the UK in Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Poland, France & Japan... with and supported some of the biggest names in the business, from starting out on the same London showcase circuit as future stars Amy Winehouse, Corrine Bailey Rae and John Legend to being asked to perform alongside the likes of Simply Red, Katie Melua, Musiq Soulchild, Alexander O'Neil, Omar, Incognito, M People, Beverley Knight, Nizlopi & Natasha Beddingfield.

In 2008 Nate James will be taking his unique blend of soul & funk to the USA and beyond.  But for now see him live on Friday 30 & Saturday 31 May at the Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG. 7pm-11pm. Adm:  £20 adv / £25 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Mavis Staples and Jhelisa: Down in Mississippi

She was a member of one of the most extraordinary families in Gospel music history. With her siblings Cleo, Yvonne, and Pervis they became world famous. Mention the name Mavis Staples and everyone who loves great gospel and soul music will identify the artist.

Born in 1939 and under the leadership of their father Roebuck 'Pops' Staples, the Staples Singers were known as 'God's Greatest Hitmakers'. During the 1960s the group, close to Martin Luther King, became one of the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement. 

The group signed to Stax Records in 1968 (working with members of Booker T. and the MGs) and Mavis Staples recorded her first solo album for the label in 1969.  She has continued to plough an individual musical furrow remarkable for its integrity and commitment to the honesty and passion at the heart of the best Gospel. Her most recent CD 'We'll Never Turn Back' was produced by Ry Cooder.

Opening this concert is soul artist Jhelisa and her three piece band including acclaimed jazz pianist Robert Mitchell. Jhelisa released her first solo album in 1994 and has since collaborated with an extraodinary range of artists for someone of her relative youth, including Jeff Buckley, The Shamen, Courtney Pine, Bjork, Massive Attack, Chaka Khan, Greg Osby, Bryan Ferry, Dana Bryant and others.

This night will be a glorious baptism of deep-rooted soul and uplifting gospel from a bona fides music legend! An almost superhuman ability to implant the pure power of passion and emotion.

Catch them on Tues 15 Apr 2008 at The Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. 7.30pm. Adm: £15, £18.50 & £22.50. Info: 0845 120 7550 / www.barbican.org.uk

Fri 16 May
JAZZIE B (SOUL II SOUL)
DJ set from the original funky dred. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £10 adv / £15 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Fri 16 & 17 May
STEVIE WONDER’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Featuring Eric Roberson. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £25 adv / £30 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sat 17 May
DJ SPINNA
Celebrated DJ, Remixer & Producer, widely regarded as the best ‘underground’ DJ in America. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £12.50 adv / £15 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sat 24, 25, 26 & 27 May
AVERAGE WHITE BAND
The tartan funk favourites and the dance floor legend for the funk classic Pick Up The Pieces are back for four funk fuelled Jazz Cafe dates. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £22.50 adv / £28 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Fri 30 & 31 May
NATE JAMES
One of the finest soul singers to come out of the UK. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £20 adv / £25 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sun 1 Jun
UK SOUL JAM
UK Soul Jam is a celebration of UK Soul in DJ, New Talent Showcase and Open Mic improvised live music Jams. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £10 adv / £15 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Wed 3 & 4 Jun
MINT CONDITION
Jazz café exclusive for the multi-talented, Minnesota based, Soul / R&B band. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £27.50 adv / £35 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sun 8, 9 & 10 Jun
LLOYD COLE
80’s iconic singer/ songwriter plays from his latest album. With Steve Lindsay. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £22.50 adv / £28 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Fri 20 Jun
THE SOUND STYLISTICS
Legendary Deep Funk super group featuring members of Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies & JTQ. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £20 adv / £25 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sat 21 Jun
RUBY TURNER
Culture Club collaborator and platinum selling British soul singer of If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) and I’d Rather Go Blind fame. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £20 adv / £25 door.Info: 0870 060 3777.

Sat 28 Jun
RAD
Ex Prince’s Keyboard player & vocalist plays from her solo project. Venue: Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1. Doors open 7pm, performance 9pm. Adm: £18.50 adv / £22 door. Info: 0870 060 3777.