Artist description Jeff's unique acoustic guitar fingerstylings along with his warm, from the heart vocals are a perfect combination for the life oriented lyrics of his songs. The influences of Taylor and other artists are evident but unique enough to bring a new twist to contemporary folk and country genres.

Music Style Acoustic based, mellow fingerpicking, deep, heartfelt songs.

Musical Influences James Taylor, Paul Simon, David Wilcox, Lyle Lovette, Garth Brooks, Waylon Jennings, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, Gordon Lightfoot, John Mellencamp

Similar Artists James Taylor , John Denver, David Wilcox, Jimmy Buffett. Gordon Lightfoot

Artist History From a small town of New London, MN-Jeff James wasn't exactly exposed to many music groups other than church choir and school band until late in his high school years. Running through phases of artists from Zep, Floyd, the Eagles, Waylon Jennings, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, to even Crue, GnR, and Rush-he never lacked variety in the music he listened to. He started playing an old classical guitar at 16 and found himself the craft to which his life has been dedicated towards the past 10 years. James learned a great deal from friend John Ploegstra about playing and an introduction to more music styles. He attended college at St. Cloud State University and performed at several area house parties and fraternities. He also involved himself in the songwriting showcases and the downtown club scene-even then he was playing a large variety of songs from the Dead to Van Morrison to the then up and coming Garth Brooks which really turned him towards learning more country songs and adding them to his list of covers. In the next few years he was involved in Classic Rock bands, Variety bands, and Country rock bands, spending a few years on the road full time doing shows on the 6 state area and also performing solo acoustic sets in various parts of Minnesota in between those times. He was fortunate enough to perform with a talented group dubbed KeyStone for 2 years opening and sharing the stage with several Major acts including BlackHawk, Ronnie Milsap, Ty Herndon, David Lee Murphy, Tom Wopat (yeah Luke Duke-General Lee included), Roy Clark, Asleep at the Wheel, and Doug Kershaw. After which time he and his wife Debbie decided to pick it up and move to Nashville to pursue a more in-depth career in music as an artist, songwriter, and performer. Arriving there prompted him to began recording his second album this time in CD format (A Little Driving Music II) which was followed a year later by (Driving Music III) He was graciously invited to share the stage with Nashville performer Tory Barnett at The Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar in world famous Printer's Alley. Eventually they formed a trio with newcomer Steve Stokes from Pennsylvania that they call "Acoustically Sound" (a strong 3 vocal trio with Guitar, Bass, and Mandolin/Fiddle)which performs cover tunes from Diamond Rio to Restless Heart to Suzy Bogguss. His schedule right now remains as follows at the club- Wednesdays 8-10pm Fridays 4-10pm and performing at hour intervals exchanging with the house band until 3am Saturdays 4-8pm (Always check with F&S as shows are scheduled out of state this summer) He is currently spending his time as a full time musician and promoting his new album "Life's Song

Group Members Jeff James

Instruments Vocal, Acoustic, Bass, Mandolin, Piano, Harmonica

Albums Driving Music II, Driving Music III, the score for the ESPN advertised documentary

Press Reviews "Jeff James' 'Life's Song' is a mellow, easy-listening CD which is perfect for those times when one needs to kick back and take a load off. The musical and vocal stylings suggest influences from some popular 70s and 80s singer/songwriters, such as James Taylor, Arlo Guthrie and Randy Van Warmer. Particularly, "Warm Water" is reminiscent of Taylor's "Fire and Rain." Unlike many songs from that era, however, 'Life's Song' is just that -- songs about real life, and topical issues such as abuse, neglect, as well as the ever-popular one on relationships. James' mellifluous voice flows over a person like, well, warm water ... quite pleasant." Carlene Dean - Kandiyohi Times

Additional Info I live and play my music knowing everyday I would have nothing without Christ.

Location Nashville, TN - USA

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