Andy James Brings Jazz-Flamenco Fusion to Atlanta’s Spivey Hall

What’s Happening Atlanta: Interview with Andy James

Jazz vocalist Andy James is bringing her unique flamenco-jazz fusion to Atlanta’s Spivey Hall on June 14th. James effortlessly blends elegant jazzy vocals with passionate flamenco rhythms, creating a sound that’s distinctly hers. Her latest album Happy People showcases this incredible collision of two musical worlds. Having spent twenty years as a professional flamenco dancer in Madrid working with legends like Paco de Lucía, then transitioning to jazz vocals, this fusion feels like destiny.

Want to experience this live? Andy James is performing at Spivey Hall on June 14th with an all-star band that includes Atlanta’s own Terreon Gully on drums. Get your tickets before they sell out!

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For our What’s Happening Atlanta series, we caught up with Andy to discuss her creative journey and what Atlanta audiences can expect from this unique performance. Here’s what she had to say.

About The Performance

Q: What can audiences expect from your June 14th show at Spivey Hall with your all-star band?

A: I hope the audience feels the joy and passion we share while performing these new songs. The set is primarily drawn from my latest album Happy People, which blends my flamenco roots with my jazz foundation—something truly unique for Spivey Hall. It’s an experience unlike anything the audience has encountered there before.

I even include a flamenco dance number during the show—an idea gifted to me by Chick Corea while in Spain. Why not bring that inspiration to life?

We’ll also perform some of my favorite covers, like Bésame Mucho—a beloved piece not only for me but for the entire band. With musical giants like Alex Acuña, Chico Pinheiro, and Jon Cowherd by my side, I know we’re creating something special.

Q: How did you select the musicians for this all-star lineup, and what makes this particular group special?

A: The musicians on this show came together naturally. Jon Cowherd, my pianist for the past four years, is not only an incredible talent but also my arranger and co-writer. He’s essential—his ability to follow and respond to every nuance of my performance is unmatched.

Alex Acuña and I have been collaborating for seven years now. His deep understanding of both flamenco and jazz makes our musical connection seamless. Chico Pinheiro is the perfect guitarist to bridge the flamenco and jazz influences of this performance—there truly couldn’t be a better fit.

Vicente Archer brings a beautiful versatility on both upright and electric bass, and this show features both. And rounding out the rhythm section is Atlanta’s own Terreon Gully on drums—a phenomenal musician whose artistry deserves to be celebrated right here at Spivey Hall.

The chemistry and cohesion among these incredible artists is something I treasure—and I hope it brings joy to everyone in the audience.

Q: Spivey Hall is known for its exceptional acoustics – have you performed there before?

A: This will be my first time performing at Spivey Hall, and I’m truly honored. I’ve heard so much about the hall’s exceptional acoustics and beautiful stage—it’s going to be a real treat. I can’t wait to step onto that stage and share this music!

Q: Will you be performing new material, classic favorites, or a mix of both at this concert?

A: The show will open with a Herbie Hancock tune—a piece I didn’t write, but chose to spotlight the incredible talent of the band, which I always love to do. The performance features lots of fresh material, with my new album Happy People serving as its foundation. I hope the set brings some pleasant surprises—musically and emotionally.

There’s truly something for everyone, with a mix of classics and originals, all brought to life through fresh, unexpected arrangements.

Musical Background & Style

Q: For readers who may not be familiar with your work, how would you describe your musical style and what draws you to it?

A: I’ve always felt that my musical style is deeply rooted in the influences of my childhood. My mother was a jazz singer, and my father a devoted flamenco aficionado. Mornings often began with my mum rehearsing jazz standards at the kitchen table while feeding me breakfast, only for my dad to chime in by putting on a vintage Carmen Amaya record from his youth.

Those moments gave me a deep appreciation for both art forms—an appreciation I carry into my music today, blending them with a distinct jazz edge.

Q: What artists or experiences have been the biggest influences on your musical journey?

A: On the jazz side, my biggest inspirations have always been Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. On the flamenco side, the legendary Chick Corea and Paco de Lucía deeply influenced me—not just through their music, but through conversations we shared about blending these two powerful art forms, something they both did so masterfully.

With this original album, Happy People, I finally feel I’ve realized that vision. It’s my way of honoring their legacy and showing my audience—and perhaps those two greats watching from above—that I took their advice to heart. I truly believe they’d be proud.

Q: How has your sound evolved over the years, and what direction are you heading musically?

A: The sound of my music—both in what I write and the covers I perform—has evolved significantly since I returned to jazz in the United States. As my time living in Spain and my journey with flamenco came to a close, I felt a deep urge to grow as both an artist and songwriter. I knew it was time to explore new styles and rhythms, to push my artistry to a higher level and connect with a broader audience—one that appreciates music as more than just a single sound.

The world is vast, and it brings me great joy to think of people from all corners of it connecting with and valuing the music I create. I’m experimenting more in my writing now, and I have several recorded albums awaiting release. One is an original project written in Nashville, touched with a hint of country. Another is a Big Band album featuring beloved jazz standards from the golden era, with the incredible Joe La Barbera on drums. There’s also a Beatles tribute album, full of fresh arrangements crafted by myself and the brilliant Jon Cowherd.

Most recently, I recorded a follow-up to Happy People while on tour in Rome, Italy—an exciting new chapter that continues the journey of blending global influences into my jazz foundation.

Atlanta Connection

Q: Do you have a connection to Atlanta, and how does the city’s music scene inspire you?

A: This will be my first time in Atlanta, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve heard incredible things about the city’s vibrant live music scene and its rich musical history—so many legendary artists have come from here. I’ve also heard the food is fantastic, which is always a bonus! I can’t wait to experience it all firsthand and connect with the energy of the city.

Q: Are there any local Atlanta musicians or venues that have been particularly meaningful to your career?

A: I’m especially honored to be performing at Spivey Hall. Although I haven’t yet collaborated with local Atlanta musicians, I’m excited to experience the city’s vibrant music scene firsthand and hopefully make meaningful connections during my time here. I hope to stop by some of the local venues like St. James Live!, Red Light Café, The Velvet Note, and other local jazz hangs while I’m in town.

Creative Process

Q: Can you walk us through your songwriting or creative process – where do your best ideas come from?

A: The creative process that works best for me usually begins with a spark—an idea for a melody, rhythm, or lyric that I immediately share with my co-writer and fellow Le Coq Records president, Piero Pata. We have a natural sense for what will resonate musically, and that instinct helps guide the direction of each piece.

From there, we collaborate with the incredibly talented Jon Cowherd, our arranger and co-writer, to develop a full lead sheet that captures our ideas and explores possible variations. Jon always brings a fresh perspective—whether it’s a twist in instrumentation or a structural shift that elevates the song for the band.

The process flows quickly for us, thanks to the strong creative chemistry we share. We’ve already written around 50 original songs together—and we’re just getting started.

Q: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your musical career so far?

A: I find it such a thrill to create and perform my music for audiences around the world, alongside so many incredible musicians I meet on stage and throughout my travels. There’s always an unexpected moment waiting—surprising, spontaneous, and often unforgettable.

Looking Ahead

Q: Beyond the Spivey Hall show, what other projects or performances do you have on the horizon?

A: After my performance at Spivey Hall, I’ll be heading back into the studio for a week to finish Happy People II. I recently recorded the follow-up album in Rome with a different ensemble of incredible musicians, while still featuring key players from the original Happy People—including Jon Cowherd, Chico Pinheiro, Canito, Frank Gambale, Orlando LeFleming, Mino Cinelu, Rick Margitza, and Marc Miralta. Arranging for three guitars was no small task, but the result is something truly special.

From there, I’ll be off to Texas for shows in San Antonio and Austin. In November, I’ll be releasing a brand-new original album co-written with five incredibly talented Nashville songwriters. And later this year, I’ll be touring in Chile and returning to Italy—exciting adventures ahead!

Q: What do you hope audience members will take away from experiencing your music live?

A: Live performance is such a different experience from recording. I truly hope the audience at Spivey Hall not only enjoys the concert but also connects with what I’m trying to convey through Happy People. In many ways, it’s the living expression of my musical journey—shaped by my experiences, insights, and growth over the years.

Trust us, Atlanta—you don’t want to miss this show. There’s something special about witnessing an artist who can make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy jazz club in Harlem one moment and dancing in the streets of Seville the next.