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High Velocity And Control: Jazz Pianist James Francies Takes His First 'Flight'

The up-and-coming pianist has crossing boundaries, taking his jazz chops to hip-hop and pop sessions. Now, he's released his debut album.
Jazz pianist James Francies released his debut album, <em>Flight, </em>in Oct. 2018.

Twenty-three-year-old jazz pianist James Francies has his musical fingerprints all over the place. From leading his own group at 2019'sWinter Jazzfest in New York City to playing shows in Tokyo with guitar legend Pat Metheny, the current pace of Francies's life is constantly in motion.

"It just feels like you're on a plane," Francies says. "Four thousand feet, traveling six hundred miles an hour."

Last fall, Blue Note Records released Flight, Francies's debut album.

Francies's reputation as

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