Saxophonist James White was one of the most interesting figures in the 1970’s No Wave scene. In his odd musical sphere, heavy soul and free jazz were mixed with disco and punk. Although he is best known for his spazz-tastic band James Chance and The Contortions, his mutant disco soul/funk/jazz band James White and the Blacks was just as awesome.

James recorded the song “Contort Yourself” under both monikers, but the JW&TB 12″ Disco version is the one I prefer, with its hypnotic groove and deadpan back-up vocals. Its influence can be heard in the music of some of today’s dance-heavy indie-rock bands like LCD Soundsystem.

Watch as James discusses his influences and the song itself, in this interview:

Pick up James White and The Blacks’ Off White here.

James White and The Blacks – Contort Yourself

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