From her start as an internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer performing in Madrid and touring the globe with some of the genre’s most renowned artists, Andy James has made a striking transition into the world of Jazz. Now a captivating vocalist, she combines soulful interpretations of Jazz standards with heartfelt originals, effortlessly bridging genres from the Great American Songbook to Blues and Country. Her musical journey began in Melbourne, Australia, where influences from her flamenco-loving father and Jazz singer mother—who introduced her to legends like Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald—laid the foundation for her versatile sound. With her debut album Caravan in 2018 and her latest release, The Architect of My Blues, Andy continues to redefine her artistry, blending passion, genre, and storytelling in a way that’s truly her own.
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop into this latest project, The Architect of My Blues — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
Andy James: The Architect of My Blues marks a departure from my usual writing approach. It represents my exploration of a Jazz meets Country flavor, shaped in part by the storytelling traditions of Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Their influence appears in both the form and emotional concept of this album, where narrative truly drives the music.
Parlé Mag: How then does The Architect of My Blues compare to or differ from your previous efforts?
Andy James: This album differs from my previous work in that it is not as heavily rooted in strong tempos and rhythms like my last Flamenco based record, Happy People. Architect has a more subtle and introspective feel. We are truly delighted with how the album turned out.
Parlé Mag: Now as a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
Andy James: Inspiration comes to me from many avenues in life. Love and disappointment are the greatest wells to draw from when I write. The title track, “The Architect of My Blues,” speaks to a love that becomes manipulative and damaging, something many of us have experienced. It was also wonderful to collaborate with so many gifted co-writers on this project including; Atkins, Burr, Cowherd, Green and Levi. It really was a collective, creative brainwave.
Parlé Mag: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
Andy James: My musical journey began when I was about four years old. My parents encouraged me constantly. I would sing and dance around the kitchen table at breakfast, two bites of cornflakes followed by a verse of Sarah Vaughan. My mother was a Jazz singer in Australia, so becoming a vocalist felt natural. I am endlessly grateful for that encouragement. Music has brought so much joy into my life.
Parlé Mag: Growing up abroad, who were some of your biggest influences?
Andy James: As a vocalist, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles, were enormous influences on me growing up. As a Flamenco artist working throughout Europe, Paco de Lucia and Chick Corea shaped so much of my artistic voice. With icons like that to draw from, ideas flowed easily. Chick always loved the Jazz and Flamenco fusions I created.
Parlé Mag: How do you define your style?
Andy James: Style is essential to my artistic journey. I try to grow every day, influenced by what life brings. I never want to be confined to one way of writing. Every album I have made has its own distinct character. I understood early on that to grow as an artist I must be willing to evolve. I have never been interested in being a one trick pony.
Parlé Mag: What do you hope people take away from your music?
Andy James: I hope audiences find meaning in the stories I am trying to convey, and that something in my writing or performance resonates with their own lives. That connection is everything to me.
Parlé Mag: Dream collaboration — who would it be?
Andy James: My dream collaboration would be Herbie Hancock. Working with Chick Corea was invaluable, and I can only imagine the thrill and insight Herbie would bring to my writing and performance.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?
Andy James: During my Flamenco career, I was fortunate to perform in many incredible opera houses and theaters. La Scala in Milan was always a favorite. It is so grand, and the acoustics are marvelous for vocals.
Parlé Mag: How do you feel about the current state of music?
Andy James: Today’s musical world makes it incredibly easy to reach a large audience instantly, but something has been lost. With AI, streaming, and so little revenue coming in from platforms like Spotify, recording has become more of a promotional tool rather than a true income source. Live performance has become the essential bread and butter.
Parlé Mag: What’s the key to your longevity?
Andy James: Longevity for me comes from continuously finding ways to grow. Evolving my style, my colors and my approach to writing and performing, keeps me energized and inspired.
Parlé Mag: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do?
Andy James: Beyond music, dance is still an important part of my performances. It gives both me and the audience something extra to look forward to. They get such a thrill from it, and so do I.
Parlé Mag: Biggest career moments thus far?
Andy James: Nothing compares to the experience of working with Chick Corea and Paco de Lucia. They gave me a strong professional foundation in everything I do as a performer. I have also had the privilege of recording many times with John Patitucci, Jon Cowherd, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Chris Potter. It is a pleasure every time we step on stage or into the studio together.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Andy James: A typical day begins with two hours of dance, followed by an hour at the gym, to get my energy flowing. Then I spend most of the day practicing repertoire for upcoming performances or recording sessions. After all that, I often sit and write to see if a gem appears. You never really know when you will strike gold.
Parlé Mag: How do you interact with your fans?
Andy James: I interact with many of my fans in different ways. They write to me on Facebook, and many come to speak with me after performances. On my recent European tour, especially in Greece, I had so many wonderful encounters. It is always amazing to see how many people know the words to my songs.
Parlé Mag: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
Andy James: My favorite part of this work is the connection I feel with audiences during live performances. It is essential to me. They can lift me out of a bad mood, or even make me feel better when I am unwell. The most challenging part is the constant repetition needed to maintain a high level of performance. Aside from my own songs, I am always searching for covers I have never heard, transforming them into something fresh and exciting to sing.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?
Andy James: My advice to new artists is to stay true to your vision of how you want to sing. Your style will naturally evolve with time and experience. Always remember that you have an audience to please, as well as yourself. A balance of your own written songs and carefully chosen covers can help you find your path in music and in life.
Parlé Mag: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Andy James: In ten years, I hope I will still be doing what I do now; enjoying the public’s reaction to my work, and learning from my fellow performers. I want to continue improving and expanding my knowledge. Maybe I will finally finish that opera I have been working on.
Parlé Mag: What’s next for you, Andy?
Andy James: Next, I am finishing a second Flamenco Jazz album that I recorded in Italy earlier this year. I am working again with my old friend, Vinnie Colaiuta, who holds down the drums in a way only he can. He is truly a genius on his instrument. Jon Cowherd has done a masterful job on the arrangements and writing, alongside Piero Pata and myself. We are all very pleased with Happy People 2.
Parlé Mag: Any parting words for our readers?
Andy James: I can only hope readers feel the joy I experience when I write a song that people truly understand. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to perform an art form that gives me such fulfillment and contentment in my life.
