Smooth jazz takes a romantic turn on saxophonist Sébastien James' new album

With the onset of winter, the long distance to the arrival of Valentine's Day becomes gradually closer. The Internet offers countless selections when it comes to soundtracks for the day of lovers, but few offer the stylish sheen and emotional pull of saxophonist Sébastien James' new album, Jazz & Lounge. The title of the record promises a relaxing atmosphere, and it isn't exaggerating. The shimmering beauty of James' sax is prominently showcased, especially on velvety smooth covers of Roberta Flack's “Killing Me Softly with His Song" and “Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, the latter featuring the soothing tones of guest vocalist Caroline Gsell.

Also known as SebioJazz, James discusses his roots and affection for the saxophone in this profile.

Q: When did you learn how to play the saxophone?

A: I started to learn the sax when i was 15 years old. The first year was in a private school for music in my neighborhood. The second year, because it was important to me to become a good musician, I asked my parents to enroll me in the conservatory of Nice.

Q: What triggered your interest in jazz and also becoming a musician?

A: It happened the day I listened to David Sanborn's album Straight to the Heart. But at this time, I didn't listen the jazz music. It was a gift from my friends because I started to learn the sax. In six months I wanted to play like him so I started to reproduce his phrases from the LP.

Q: What kind of musical education or formal training did you have?

A: Classical and jazz in Conservatory of Music. I have obtained a gold medal in jazz music and also classical music studies for saxophone in the same year, 1994. Also, I have learned the flute because it was better to have two instruments when you decide to be a professional.