Trey Anastasio Band saxophonist James Casey will issue his full-length debut solo album, The Kaua’i Project, this spring. Casey previewed the eight-song LP by sharing its lead single, “New Bloom.”
James Casey was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in August 2021. The Kaua’i Project was inspired by both his challenging journey undergoing treatment and a year when the pandemic started spent on a remote Hawaiian island. While putting out music of his own was never important to Casey, his viewpoint changed after his diagnosis. The Kaua’i Project follows James’ 2022 holiday EP, A Little Something For Everyone.
“New Bloom” arrives during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. James Casey has made it a priority to speak out about his experience and urge others, especially within his more vulnerable Black community, to get tested early and often. He recently appeared on Today to share his story.
James Casey’s new single combines elements of soul, R&B, jazz and dance music. “New Bloom” paints a picture of how the saxophonist would not allow his colon cancer diagnosis stop him from finish what he wanted to do in creating the song and album as well as other ways of putting his stamp on the world. Despite all of the challenges Casey faces, he still injected positivity into “New Bloom.”
Stream James Casey’s “New Bloom” below with a video due out on March 21:
Watch the Music As Medicine: A James Casey Story mini-documentary:
