Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini Share James Casey Tribute ‘Blues For James’

Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini will release a new album entitled Revolução on September 26 through GroundUP Records. Cressman’s former Trey Anastasio Band horn section member James Casey, who sadly died in 2023, is honored on the forthcoming release with the song, “Blues For James.”

Casey played saxophone with TAB alongside Cressman and trumpeter Jennifer Hartswick from 2012 through his untimely death in August 2023 at age 40. Casey was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2021.

“Ian wrote this song in honor of our dear departed friend James Casey, who was a great musical talent and one of our closest friends,” Cressman explained. “Ian wrote this song imagining James’ saxophone playing the theme along with him, and it attempts to capture the energy and vitality that he brought to every musical setting.”

Cressman and Faquini recorded “Blues For James” at Da Pá Virada Studios in São Paulo, Brazil. Cressman’s father, Jeff Cressman, co-produced with Natalie and Ian. The album’s cover art is an image produced by Ian’s grandfather, Rui Faquini.

Watch Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini perform their poignant tribute “Blues For James”:

Revolução Tracklist

1. Cem Mil Réis
2. Contradança
3. Tenho Sede
4. Capenga Mas Não Cai
5. De Mão Cheia
6. Dizia Maria
7. “Blues For James”
8. Moda De Viola
9. “Natty’s Waltz”
10. Revolução
11. Vigil
12. Rio-Mar