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Buy CD's or individual songs? Purchase direct from Broadjam on http://www.broadjam.com/bestears or through PayPal at www.philjames.info
About Me
Been an independent singer/songwriter and musician for over 30 years. Songs have taken me from church to pubs to prisons and been fortunate to collaborate with other artists such as Lorraine King, Wal Coughlan, (current bassist for Cerys Matthews) Iolo, and Rob Ash. Also provided backing vocals on countless artists' albums (sounds pretentious) that in all honesty I can't remember! Shame really!
As a solo artist, produced two albums to date in the acoustic genre. This Way Up! in 2001 and Shine Like You in 2005. Both received good reviews and airplay on a number of radio stations. Tracks from the last album playlisted by BBC Radio Wales and others still receiving regular airplay with Folk shows showing particular kindness towards me.
An earlier gospel album, which older fans may remember, has been filed under the "learned the hard way" category. Not ashamed of the Christian values exressed but it is easy to be wrongly pigeon-holed. No one else to blame for some bad production values either and you learn by your mistakes.
Definitely been heading in the right direction since!
Lyrics-wise I'm a recovering melancholic! Someone once wrote I'd be great if only I lightened up! Truth is I never shy away from writing about uncertainty as well as hope and redemption. The last few years though I've ended up on a lighter, more commercial note. (Must be the pub gigs!) Still sing about about love and stuff but a lot less intense. Some songs are autobiographical and others complete fabrications. (Friends still come up and ask "did that really happpen" and " are you singing about your wife there?") I keep them guessing!
Never wrote many songs about relationships til I was 40, then it all changed. Maybe became more grateful as I aged. I've been married to the same woman for ** years (I'm saving her self-respect). Also got four children which I'm really proud of - and a few grand children so plenty of inspiration there.
(I know, I know... I don't look that old!!)
Finally, workwise.... I still need to pay the bills. In the absence of a record contract my life at the moment alternates between working in a local prison and whichever Pub/Function/Fest has booked me for the weekend. It's a great life but one which I'd gladly exchange for fame and fortune. I'm really just looking for that one song I can live off for the rest of my life and retire....!.
Back to reality, and success and support slots. I've twice opened for Hummingbird in the last 2 years and more than twice shared a stage with the Storys. I've also appeared live on BBC Radio Wales, I'll Show You Mine with Amy Wadge and Frank Hennessy who have been really kind to me and regularly feature my songs on their show and also Celtic Heartbeat. I'm also more than grateful to Mike Longley Head of Music, BBC Radio Wales for championing my cause. I consider him a friend and pool rival. Bring it on Mike!
Review - Shine Like You:
"The Welsh singer/songwriter produces an album of warmth, subtlety and deft musicianship. Pride of place goes to Phil's beautifully played acoustic guitar which when picking bluesy figures on "Take Me Back", finding clever jazz chords on "Be With You" or finding a haunting folk figure on "Best Years", always gives his hauntingly, wistful songs their depth and texture. This album is more than brilliant guitar work however. Phil's voice is expressive and easy on the ear, the arrangements, accompaniments are satisfyingly organic while his lyrics, taking in topics such as the ways of an unfaithful lover (Once Bitten), travelling home to that special loved one (Honey Blue) and childhood reminiscence (Best Years) are carefully crafted. And there are spiritual themes as well with the title track and its memorable images of light and darkness. All in all, a fine set from an eloquent songsmith."
(Tony Cummings Cross Rhythms 2006)I edited my profile with Editorhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnPR2RFNNwc
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