"Vigor, alarm, and a prophet's conviction"
A Short Vinnie James Biography
Written by Kel Brighton
Glasgow, Scotland - He's been called a cross between Marvin Gaye and Joe Cocker. He's been referred to as: "The black Bob Dylan." He's been compared to the likes of Otis Redding, Graham Parker, and Richie Havens. He's fondly embraced by scores of songwriters, musicians, concert-goers and music journalists, and his fanbase, both online and off, grows larger by the day. And today, I'm convinced you've discovered an artist who's music and message will touch you, and move you, in a way that is rare these days, and here are a few reasons why I believe that with all my heart:
Educated on the streets of Newark, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, and influenced by the R&B and folk artists of the late sixties and early seventies, Vinnie James is part Native American, part North African, and as Mike Boehm of the L.A. Times describes him: "Full of fire and in your face passion."
Most people never guess, from his laid-back attitude, that this ex-"homeless man," continues to be hailed by music journalists as one of today's most insightful and relevant songwriters, having already received widespread critical acclaim for his groundbreaking RCA debut, "All American Boy," in addition to major shows and world tours, with artists such as Sade, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Pam Tillis, and many others.
At the center of Vinnie's unique sound is his raw, dusky vocal style, described by the Los Angeles Times as, "a husky, soul-tinged voice that recalls Graham Parker or Bob Seger..." and that, "...bristles with vigor, alarm and a prophet's conviction..."
Described as "a master wordsmith," by Maxine Jewett, President of the Southwest Acoustic Music Association, Vinnie James pens songs that take you from deeply moving, folk-roots ballads, to powerfully raw, full-blown R&B-based rockers, pulsating with hypnotic, tribal rhythms, and cradled in the R&B groove of drums, bass, church organs, and gospel choir backing vocals, and all laced with Vinnie's soulful vocals and his signature "acoustic jackhammer" guitar playing style.
Jim McKenna, who heads the Glasgow Festival of Songwriting in Glasgow, Scotland, calls Vinnie James, an "astonishing songwriter," who's songs explore themes ranging from political injustice and social revolution, to love, lust and tragic loss; all written with intricate, well-crafted poetic images, showing a refreshing vulnerability and "old-soul" character.
Gil Griffin of the Washington Post, says of Vinnie James, "...his writing exhibits a developed, analytical (and self-analytical) maturity." Cary Darling of the Orange County Register adds that Vinnie's music, "has a folk edge and fits squarely in the singer-songwriter tradition of Springsteen, Graham Parker, Elvis Costello and John Hiatt." Record industry icon David Geffen once called Vinnie James, "a distinctive multi-threat talent."
"It's such an honor that so many new people are discovering my music, and are so moved and inspired by it," James says, of his growing fan base. "When I write, I'm really just trying to bring a bit of peace and hope into a complicated, and sometimes scary world. I think people are relating to the music because they're feeling a lot of the same emotions I'm feeling and expressing in my songs, and the songs help them find an outlet, and a path of expression for those emotions."
Vinnie's newest offering, "Songs for the Long Journey," was recorded in a 15x20 foot garage on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland, and as you would expect from a songwriter of this caliber, "Songs for the Long Journey" is an engaging look at urban landscapes from a totally fresh, folk-R&B perspective, where Vinnie's emotion-soaked vocals and insightful lyrics are as evident as ever, and it's got the critics raving.
In his extensive and glowing review of James' new album, written for the well-respected online music magazine HickoryWind.org, Jim Pipkin declares: "...If this CD had already been released, it would have easily made my Top Ten for 2006. I would be very surprised if it doesn't make the cut for 2007." (Incidentally, Pipkin did go on to choose Vinnie's "Songs for the Long Journey" as the number ONE album of 2007).
Additionally, Maxine Jewett, President of the Prestigious Southwest Acoustic Music Association, writing an early review of the album, has this to say: "'Songs for the Long Journey' is much more than simply a CD; it is an audible work of art. Every cut could stand alone as its own CD, none are similar to the song before or after it. Vinnie James is a master wordsmith, "Homeless Man" is a remarkably poignant tale of compassion by the 'have nots' for those who have even less. Throughout the CD, James' commentary is critical but hopeful and the dynamics of the music are tricky, tricky, tricky. Listen to "County Line". Just when you think you know where this chord is going, he rips the rug out from underneath you. I love it!! My advice is buy two copies because you will wear one out."
When asked about his views on success, James adds, "I just want to be a songwriter who people can look back on many years from now and say, 'Vinnie James was an honest and committed artist who left a serious mark on the art of songwriting.'" The swelling critical acclaim, and the growing worldwide popularity of Vinnie James and his music, seem to indicate he's doing just that.
If you've come to CDBaby to find good music, don't leave today without adding Vinnie James to your music collection.
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