James Turner

James Turner, singer-songwriter, was born and bred in Liverpool. The city's diverse musical melting pot was a heady influence on James and his stint spent working on Liverpool docks was a great learning experience. After quitting the day job James fronted several different line-ups, playing a rock'n'roll-meets-new-wave guitar style music; and releasing records on the Liverpool indie label Probe Records. He quickly attracted the interest of the UK music media. Kev Sampson in Melody Maker said "it's the singer that makes this lot special, with a manic stage presence and a huge Bono style voice". After paying his dues on the road James decided to go into the studio to work on what became his debut solo album: The Believer. The songs just poured out; the results were awesome. James was the only male singer-songwriter selected by Virgin/BPI for their Best of British campaign which saw The Believer distributed throughout North America, attracting critical acclaim and radio playlisting. Music journals found James "the most immediate and accessible singer/songwriter I've heard in ages", his songwriting style "honest and subtle ...delivered with authority and a touch of class". Coming in for particular recognition and praise were James's powerfully emotive vocals; one critic noted "Turner's vocals have a distinctive depth of delivery". The UK's premier music industry publication Music Week agreed; they stated "his voice sounds a bit like a young Tom Jones which ... genuinely works". The crossover potential of James's music is such that critics struggled to find a classification, but the pan-European trade journal Music and Media reported that "Turner should appeal to Springsteen and Beatles fans alike", and that by "mixing folky vocals and raw guitars" and producing a "direct, warm sound" James succeeded in appealing to lovers of all genres of real music. The word is classic. James has just completed his new album “Walk the Bridge”. For this album James went back to his roots, using acoustic guitars, mandolin and violin, as well as a rhythm section and featuring Henry Priestman on accordion. It has a nu-folk rock feel, with a set of classic songs which people say on hearing them, are the best songs James has ever written. His songs deal with human issues and are coming straight from the heart and soul.