New Video: José James Teams Up with Lalah Hathaway for a Stunning Rendition of “Lovely Day”

In September, Blue Note recording artist José James released Lean On Me, a Bill Withers tribute album that consists of 12 of Withers’ most undeniable and soulful songs. Originally a touring project, the album release marks Withers’ 80th birth year, and pulls together an incredible lineup of musicians, including bassist Pino Palladino, keyboardist Kris Bowers, guitarist Brad Allen Williams and drummer Nate Smith, and includes a horn arrangement by trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and a special guest appearance by saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

James, who has created masterful tributes to Billie Holiday and John Coltrane, went full ethnomusicologist in choosing the songs, poring over Withers’ nine LPs, the 2009 Still Bill documentary, and some untold number of YouTube clips for clues.

In one such number, James joins voices with Lalah Hathaway on a joyful new duet version of Bill Withers’ classic song “Lovely Day.” The new video was released earlier this month, and was directed by Maddie Deutch. The track can be found on Lean on Me, along with 11 other masterful reworkings of Bill Withers’ best work, out now on Blue Note Recordings.