Press
The James-Colah Project- ‘Take me higher’
The ever impressive smooth jazz composer James Colah has taken it higher with his first ever Vocal release ‘Take Me Higher.’ Fortunate to have had a first look at this track, which is due to be released mid August, 2013 London born, Keyboardist, producer and songwriter James Colah has once again displayed his talent with this impressive vocal release, ‘Take Me Higher’ with his up- tempo , funky trip into the smooth contemporary jazz scene. His clever use of scat singing and cool keyboard moves, brings home the clear mix and ability to compose this cool vocal jazz –soul track. James Colah called me to listen to this new track and said , Paul” check it out and tell me what you think”. Wow JC, (James Colah) Love it!! Man with an up-tempo jive, electric piano and organ solos, and you doing all the vocals!! Brilliant JC, you composed this entire track solo?? “ “I sure did, Paul.” Paul Toothpicks Coory” (Jazzcoradio.com)
The Parlett-Colah Project “Moment in Time”
Mike Parlett and James Colah are back with a new song called “Moment In Time”. A follow-up (if you will) to the successful “Blissful”. These guys are masters putting “hooks” in songs that run through your head for the rest of the day. “Moment In Time” is an upbeat, mid-tempo tune that has a bit of a Latin flair to it. This is a well-orchestrated song that highlighting the talents of Parlett and Colah. One of the things that I like most about this song is an almost whimsical keyboard hook that Colah peppers throughout this song. Jeff Niziol – usnewjazz.com
The James Colah Project – ‘ Touched by the light ‘
This is another trademark cut from London keyboard maestro and composer James Colah incorporating his unmistakable laid back ultra smooth electric-piano groove blended with Ant Law’s guitar.
The first time I heard the cut on pre-release it immediately painted a vista of a romantic stroll on a moonlight beach and the track evokes that peaceful serenity in keeping with his previous releases, ‘ Better Days ‘, ‘ Blissful ‘ and ‘ Ocean Tide ‘.
This is an artist who pays exacting attention to detail and is rewarded with an exquisite interplay using multiple keyboard tracks, guitar, bass, rhythm and the delicate use of a coastal sound effect. James exudes all the dexterity of a Jeff Lorber / George Duke composition with a teasing melody which leaves the listener wanting more.
A highly recommended track for a quiet night in with a bottle of your favourite wine and music to wash away the hectic urban lifestyle. The master of Smooth Groove has come up trumps once again.
‘ Touched By The Light ‘ is now available for download at iTunes and all other usual retail outlets.
Wes Gillespie – Producer & Host, JazzNet247 Radio
The James Colah Project – ‘ Touched By The Light ‘
Writer, producer and keyboard player James Colah records under the name of the James Colah Project and hot on the heels of his recent single release ‘Better Days’ comes another tune to ably demonstrate his smooth jazz credentials. Despite it’s silky smooth vibe ‘Touched By The Light’ is a tune with attitude written all over it and is yet another outstanding cut from this rising star of contemporary jazz.
Posted by Denis Poole – Smooth Jazz Therapy
The James Colah Project – ‘Better Days’ by Wes Gillespie – jazznet247.com
And just when the cold and rain were making you look forward to ‘ Better Days ‘ ! …… along they came in the musical form of the new single by London keyboardist and producer James Colah.
This driving track is a menu of delights from start to finish and offers a diversification to the plethora of sax tracks which seem all too prevalent in the smooth jazz charts at the moment. James has teamed up with the accomplished guitarist Ant Law to offer a fresh mid tempo summer groove which has all the traits and trimmings of Lee Ritenour meets Jeff Lorber. The musicianship is superb and James’ arrangement with those driving horns add interest and a musical spectrum which is lacking in much of today’s Smooth Jazz recordings.
The ingredients of a ‘ standout track ‘ in my opinion are a memorable hook that will be remembered after just one listen and a differentiation of composition that will retain interest to the listener throughout the entire track, ‘ Better Days ‘ has both in abundance and is like a musical storyboard from your favourite Disney Movie.
‘ Better Days ‘ is the first release from James Colah under his new guise ‘ The James Colah Project ‘ and is a worthy progression to the highly acclaimed singles ‘ Blissful ‘ and ‘ Ocean Tide ‘ taken from a collaboration with Mike Parlett and the ‘ The Parlett-Colah Project ‘ from 2009.
‘ Better Days’ is also is featured on the starting grid of a new Smooth Jazz CD compilation called ‘ Jazz Infusion Session 1’ from ‘ USSmoothjazz.com ‘ and this classy track starts the mood for a feast of delights which is sure to be playing on your MP3 and CD Players all summer long and way beyond.
‘ Better Days ‘ is available now from iTunes or through James’ own Electronic Press Kit at www.JazzNet247.com/JamesColah The CD ‘ Jazz Infusion ‘ is being released on May 23rd 2010.
James Colah – ‘Blissful’, ‘Ocean Tide’ & ‘Better Days’
by Ronald Jackson (Publisher of The Smooth Jazz Ride)
I don’t normally review singles, preferring a full CD project, but I found exception in three super smooth and funky singles that you can scoop up on I-Tunes by multi-instrumentalist James Colah. One single called “Ocean Tide” (actually found under The Parlett-Colah Project) glides along with a kind of bop-and-stroll feel that is both joyful, funky, and, yes, even sexy in its own way.
It has a marvelous hook that stays with you. Another by the artist, “Better Days,” (performing as The James Colah Project) has that mellow mid-tempo drive with really cool guitar chops, courtesy of one Ant Law, rather reminding one of a Norman Brown or Nick Colionne groove. Bright horns, funky piano, excellent phrasing, and smart chords certainly mark this one as a keeper.
The third single, “Blissful,” (also performed by The Parlett-Colah Project) is loaded with soulful funk and attitude. Highlighted by colorful sax work by Mike Parlett, it had no problem capturing my attention.
For those unfamiliar with Colah, he hails from and still lives in London, England. He’s an accomplished keyboard player, producer, arranger, composer and session man. In a three decade career to date, he has worked as a musical director or session man with a range of high profile international artists which include : Edwin Starr, Ballet Rambert Dance Company, Virgin Records, Sheena Easton, Haysi Fantaysi, Pendragon and EMI. He now steps forward with these singles, and I certainly hope and look forward to a full CD project from him. His talent and insight are clearly evident.
Posted by Ronald Jackson – Smooth Jazz Vibes for Smooth Jazz Gateway.
‘Better Days’ – review by Denis Poole – smooth jazz therapy
When recently I commented on the tune ‘Blissful’ from the Parlett – Colah Project I described it as having the sort of feel good vibe synonymous with ‘best in class’ contemporary jazz. Now, under the name of the James Colah Project, writer, producer and keyboard player Colah is going it alone. With a combination of laid back grooves, compelling rhythms and wonderful guitar from Ant Law, his latest single offering is in every respect a smooth jazz masterpiece. Not only that, in these difficult credit crunched times the title, ‘Better Days’, could well be a metaphor for what hopefully the future has in store.
Posted by Denis Poole – Smooth Jazz Therapy.
blissful review – smooth jazz therapy
Writer, producer and keyboard player James Colah may be relatively new to the world of contemporary jazz but the way he has captured the essence of the genre is something to behold.
A case in point is the wonderful track ‘Blissful’ that he recorded with sax player Mike Parlett under the name of the Parlett – Colah Project and which has the sort of feel good vibe synonymous with the best in class. You can check out ‘Blissful’ right here right now at ‘Listen Here’. Simply select the track from the listing and enjoy.
Posted by Denis Poole – Smooth Jazz Therapy.
jeff niziol – us new jazz
We go across the pond for this review with London based keyboardist, songwriter, producer, James Colah. With over thirty years in the business playing alongside an impressive array of musicians, James has made the move to the centre of the stage. An interesting fact about these songs is that with the exception of guitar and sax, James plays everything himself.
“Blissful” – This song has been doing well on the various internet radio stations across the globe, and for good reason. An upbeat, pop-styled tune with a great hook in the horn blasts. James bright keys are excellent foil against the some searing sax play.
“Better Days” – The first few notes remind me of the song “Misty”. So much so, that I began singing the words “Look at me” when I first began listening to it. Just a hint of a funky guitar flows through this song. Another catchy melody, which highlights some nimble keyboard play.
“Ocean Tide” – This is a great ensemble piece. Keys, sax and, guitar all take their place in the spotlight. I do like they way that the song builds from a laidback beat and (with the horns) builds to a high-energy beat. One thing that I could probably do without is the ocean sound effects at the beginning and end of the song – they just do not seem to fit for me.
“Touched By The Light: – The slowest of the bunch – tempo-wise. I like the combination of a George Benson guitar (reminds me a little of “Breezin”) with the electric piano sound.
Jeff’s Favorite: “Better Days” (and also on Jazz Infusion – Session 1)
Jeff’s Final Thought: The positive energy in these songs is infectious – you can help but have a smile on your face and bounce in your step after listening to James. Colah shows some serious chops as a songwriter and arranger on these songs. The only bit of criticism that I could offer, is that I would like to hear his keyboard playing take “center stage” on more of his songs.
If you are a fan of Jeff Lorber, Oli Silk or, Gregg Karukas, give James Colah a listen.