The acclaimed singer-songwriter enjoyed massive fame thanks to his vital contributions to Norah Jones' diamond (over 10 million records sold) debut. Now, Jesse Harris enjoys the freedom to do what he wants artistically. That means coming to JZ Spring for his Mainland debut where he will be showing off his latest work - a collaboration with respected alternative singer Petra Haden. Before his May 1 show at Shanghai Centre Theatre, we chat with Harris about collabs, coming to China and where he keeps his Grammy.
Congratulations on coming to China. Will this be your first time on the Mainland?
Yes, this will be my first time to Chinese mainland In fact, this will be my first time anywhere in Asia, other than Japan. I look forward to eating some great Chinese food. We have Chinese food in the US, but it's not the same. I'd also like to walk around and see the streets of Shanghai and meet new people.
For this show, you will be performing with Petra Haden. Have you two collaborated in the past and what can fans expect from the show?
Petra and I are about to release an album we made together called Seemed Like a Good Idea - Petra Haden Sings Jesse Harris. In a few weeks, we'll do a tour of the East Coast of the US, then a week in Tokyo, then Shanghai. We're coming with the whole band from the album and will perform all of the songs, as well as some classics like the Beach Boy's 'Surfer Girl.' I'll also sing some songs, including 'Don't Know Why.'
You’ve collaborated with numerous artists from Norah Jones to Soloman Burke. What are some qualities for an ideal musical partner and how do you fit on somebody else’s project?
I've been lucky to work with very talented singers and writers. The ideal musical partner for me is someone who's singing, playing or writing I admire and enjoy.
You released the album No Wrong, No Right last year. Were you happy with the reception and musically, what’s inspiring you these days?
Yes, I was very happy with it. Star Rover, the group I made the album with, and I played shows all over the world in support of it - Brazil, Mexico, Japan, the UK and the US.
You’ve had a long and varied career releasing 12 albums and working with a number of musicians. What keeps you motivated and are you working on any projects you would like to discuss?
What motivates me mainly is the urge to create, which begins with the songs and leads to collaborations with musicians, live shows, recordings and more live shows. Star Rover and I just recorded a new album this past January in LA, which I plan to release later this year or in early 2017.
You worked with Norah Jones on her debut album which was such a massive success. Do you remember a moment when everyone realized that this album was getting really big?
Before that album came out, I had a feeling it would be very successful, but on a much smaller scale. I envisioned that it would sell around 300,000 records in America, but it went on to surpass 10 million. The realization that something more would happen seemed to come immediately when it sold 10,000 in the first week, 20,000 the second and then double every week after?
Was that big of a success ever difficult to deal with?
The only difficulty lay in feeling there was pressure on me to sell a lot of albums as a solo artist when I signed to Verve Records?
Where are your Grammy Awards?
I only have one and it's in my office at home.
You’ve been covered by so many artists from Smokey Robinson to Solomon Burke. Do you have a favorite cover and how flattering is it for another musician to do one of your songs?
It's always flattering when someone else covers a song, because it means to me that the song works. Have you heard The Hottest State soundtrack? Many amazing artists covered my songs on that album. But my new favorite covers are the ones by Petra on our upcoming release and a couple on a forthcoming debut by a new singer on Blue Note Records named Kandace Springs.
Following your China tour, what are your plans?
After China, Petra and I have a tour on the West Coast of the US.
Is there anything you would like to add?
On behalf of Petra and the band, I'd like to say that we're all very excited to come to China for the first time, and we hope that a lot of people come out to the show.
May 1, 8-10pm, RMB180-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre, tickets.
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