Artist History
Born and raised in by-God Arkansas and a direct descendent of Jesse James, this alt-country/folk singer-songwriter has steady aim with songs as gritty as Steve Earle and deft storytelling as poignant as John Prine. There are no vague poetic mumblings, just great straight-ahead lyrics about mama, church and politics; his influences ranging from the Indigo Girls to Johnny Cash, y’all. He’s got three CDs under his gun belt, with a new one, Landlocked, that’ll be released in June of this year. It’s a polished studio album that’ll feature popular touring singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet and local Albany, NY, favorites Almost Awake and the Bookdrop Bees. He’s played all over the Northeast, with extensive touring coming this summer to support the new release. He’s a Yankee now but his southern roots show in songs like “Home:”
I made plans to move up north and that’s where I found my life
So what if it didn’t happen to include a dog, a fence, or a wife
But it is home to me
But I still think of honeysuckle when it’s blooming bright in the spring
and you can take the boy out of the country but you cannot take my country from me
‘cause it is home to me
And say amen to “Good Christians,” a song his cousins are still mad about:
They sing hallelujah at the top of their lungs
They're waiting for a salvation that never seems to come
“Mr. Rochester” is a tune filled with quirky characters, based on the books Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea. There’s a soft side to James, too, in the wistful “Postcards From the UK.”
Don’t ask him his favorite places to perform. While he’s played in venues ranging from Fagapalooza to coffeehouses, his favorites are the places where the audience really listens. Whether it’s a big festival or a tiny bar, it’s those folks with attentive faces who make it a good gig.
In 2006 Jeremy was a winner of the Shine Songwriters Contest, a benefit for the arts in schools. He also received an honorable mention in the 2006 PeaceDriven Songwriting Contest for the songs "Christmas in September," "Allegiance," and "The Back Row."
His first album, Wasted Youth, a studio album released in May 2005, was well received. His second release, Grey Gardens, came out in December of that same year. It’s less produced, the simplicity of his guitar, voice and songs shining through. In September of 2006 he released Lost Souls, an EP of live and demo songs.
He’s shared the stage with Chris Pureka, Adrianne, Namoli Brennet, Mara Levi, and Kris Landherr. His songs have been featured on regional radio as well as internet stations.
Hailing from the same county as Johnny Cash, this is one singer-songwriter outlaw who won’t go down in a blaze of glory. You’ll be hearing from him for a long time.
“ … a hallmark of songwriting talent.” – CE Skidmore, Glenns Falls PostStar
Jeremy James Blog
Review of "Landlocked" by Xavier P. for RadioIndy
| POSTED BY: xavierpersad | POSTED ON: 13 Jun 2007 07:35 AM | ||
 “Landlocked” by modern folk artist Jeremy James is an album with a deep-rooted purpose. Uplifting and inspiring, Jeremy pulls at the heart-strings of listeners with songs like “Home” that summons tears, passion, and hope all in the duration of a three minute song. “Old Man Winter” stands out as potently emotional and lyrically crafty. Moreover, Jeremy’s vocals are best described as pacifying and contagiously hopeful. “Landlocked” hails no fewer accolades in the area of instrumentation with its catchy lead acoustic guitars and occasional organs. What’s more, this record carries with it production that many artists strive to obtain. Modern folk fans of bands such as Nickel Creek will find this assembly to be a well-worth-it investment that will undoubtedly yield renewed hope and optimism! -Xavier P. for RadioIndyCheck out Jeremy A James's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites |
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