He began as a musician in his late teens, singing lead vocals for various alternative-rock bands. During this time he explored a variety of different musical instruments and grew a strong affinity towards the ones in the lowest register. Also fortunately he had the chance to work with many diverse and talented musicians with a wide spectrum of the most distinct influences providing him an eclectic musical background that helped him develop a growing passion for the Blues and Jazz music.In 1996, after his army service ended, Canha decided to abandon his previous academic intentions to commit himself to an in-depth study of his newfound passions: the bass and Black American music. He co-founded the band "Charlie & the BluesCats", a blues band that, among other highlights, supported two B.B. King shows in both Lisbon and Oporto coliseums, featured at jazz festivals in Greece, and performed throughout Portugal.

Although mainly self-taught, José decided to pursue further instruction to help him unlock the most intricate musical complexities he was facing when dealing with jazz and related music. His first electric bass teacher was Yuri Daniel (bassist for Maria João, Jan Garbarek).

Since then he has been invited to collaborate on a variety of projects across genres and styles including bossa nova, jazz, blues, r&b, manouche, rock, funk and fado, in ensembles ranging from duets to orchestras and theatre productions sets.

He inevitably progressed towards the double bass. In 2005 he began classical study under Miguel Leiria. He later enrolled at Escola de Jazz do Barreiro (Barreiro's Jazz School) where he became a teacher 3 years later. Also in 2008 he get into ESML attending the Jazz Music college course. After completing this and before moving to the UK, his work was mainly focused on popular music and world music fusion.

Now in the UK he has been musically involved with the “A Light Left On” project and with Simon Lyon. He is working as a jazz double bassist accompanying various artists from the London, Essex and Suffolk Jazz scene. He continues working with artists and composers from Portugal in studio and occasionally as a live session player.

He has often been requested to teach throughout his career by private students and by several different music schools.