Francies was also a part of Chance The Rapper's Grammy Award-winning album "Coloring Book" where he played piano on the hit single "No Problem", which also won a Grammy for Best Rap Song.

In just the past few years, and in addition to leading his own band (“Kinetic”), James has toured internationally with Jeff “Tain” Watts, and has appeared with The Roots, Nas, Jadakiss, and Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) during the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend. He has also signed with Blue Note Records, and is endorsed by both Yamaha Pianos and Korg Keyboards.

The Grammy-nominated pianist Taylor Eigsti describes Francies as "poised to become a major voice on the instrument. He has the passion, creativity and ability to be a real leader amongst his generation."

Francies can often be seen on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC with the Roots. He is currently recording the Glasper produced soundtrack for a documentary on Nina Simone, featuring Mary J. Blige, Common and others. He was recently named "8 Artists You Should Know” by the genre-bending website Revive Music. Mr. Francies also works with drummer and producer ?uestlove of the Roots on numerous projects such as music for commercials, film scores, and singles for different artists.

Francies is excited to bring his trio to Delray, including Jeremy Dutton on drums and Bill Muter on bass.

PRESS QUOTES: "Mr. Francies is 20 — and already a force on the ground in New York. He’s a pianist with liquid dynamism in his touch and a heavy slate of sideman affiliations. (maybe you've seen him subbing in with the Roots on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon)" - The New York Times
“...as conversant in modernist classical composer Arnold Schoenberg as he is in Jay Z" - Wall Street Journal