NEWS AND NEWS ARCHIVES
2010
Recording my new songs. CD to be out in 2010!
2010: Emerging from a self-imposed hiatus, acclaimed
singer-songwriter-guitarist Susan James is back---performing her own
original music and working on a new album.
James has been in the studio with her old friend Paul Lacques and bandmates Shawn Nourse and Paul Marshall.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with what we’re doing in the studio,”
James says. “Paul and Paul sing harmony with me on some of these. The
songs are these psychedelic country-folk songs, and they brought even
more psychedelic country folk to it.”
About 14 new songs are in various stages of development. The
tentative release date is set for late 2010. Others participating in
the sessions include fiddler extraordinaire Gabe Witcher (Punch
Brothers), keyboardist Danny McGough (Shivaree), and engineer/producer
Fulton Dingley.
On the tracks, James has mastered the neat trick of sounding
traditional yet totally contemporary at the same time. James’
songwriting deftly twists old song forms and infuses them with a modern
intimacy.
From the waltz time yearning of James’ “Falling Waltz 2” and the
countrified charm of “Thank You Tomorrow” to an almost Beatlesque “On
Your Side” and the dreamy landscapes of “Out in the Woods,” tune after
tune reveals that the time off has certainly not diminished the unique
qualities of James’ voice, her melodic skills, or her oft-admired knack
for turning a phrase. Actually, the opposite is true.
“I love being back in my element again,” James says. “I look forward to more playing and touring.”
old stuff:
December 2005
After a hiatus from performing, I will finally be singing in public
again:
The evening of Saturday, February 18, 2006 I will be performing two
compositions by minimalist composer Daniel Lentz at REDCAT (downtown Los Angeles,
part of the Disney Theater complex). REDCAT Theater had asked Jim Fox,
owner of label Cold Blue Music to present an evening of music by composers
whose music the label champions and so in turn, Daniel and Jim have asked me
to perform two of Daniel's compositions. I will be accompanied by renowned
pianist Bryan Pezzone.
I'm really thrilled to be doing Daniels' music again and be performing at
the Disney complex downtown. Some of you know I had performed some of his
compositions live and recorded them for his album "On the Leopard Altar"
when I was in college...
2004
Oct. 17, 2004 : There is a concept for a song cycle I've had for THREE years now and finally, things are settling down, I may actually get the chance to work on it.....The CD I completed in 2002 is not connected with it.... In regards to the completed 2002 cd some of it will be offered as an EP here on the website very shortly....yay!
OCTOBER. Well, I'm the last to find out - A long time ago, I believe it was '92, in a city by the bay(San Francisco), my friend Henry Kaiser (eclectic virtuoso guitar god) asked me to sing on some recordings he had done with (other eclectic virtuoso guitar god) Glenn Phillips of cover songs. They had done the basic tracks back in 1990 and finally wanted to add some vocals. So I sang my throbbing heart out on Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" for him . Well, it looks like IT is finally seeing the light of day !!- Cd titled "Guitar Party" by Henry Kaiser and Glenn Phillips is now available. Here's what some press said about my warblings:
“Highlight tracks include: "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" - wonderfully sung by Susan James (her scatty trills are spine-tingling) this version will forever alter the way you listen to Bob Dylan (Bob's had a lot of guitarists, but never one like Kaiser or Phillips.)” Matthew J. Permarm , The Islander, December 15 2003
“Susan James casts some vocal magic over Dylan’s "Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues" as Kaiser and Phillips dispense some glorious instrumental enhancement.“ Stu Fox, REVOLVING DOOR MUSIC GUIDE,Spring/Summer 2004
So you can order here:
http://www.circulatrix.com/henryshop.html
or find out more here:
http://www.gaffmusic.com/kaiser_new.html
cheerio
SEPTEMBER Fantastic news! Martin (manager for Stereolab) has told me that Mary's solo work will be re-released as an EP. Two of the songs from "The Horizontalist" single were recorded in my living room in London, I engineered while mary played and I also did some guitar and vocals with her on them. When I would get stuck with some engineering question or problem, my hubby Fulton would come in and save the day. Fulton mixed and drums were done by Andy Ramsey at Blackwing Recording Studios (now defunct ) . I'm SO happy that these sweet, irreverent , fun recordings of her music will once again be given a spotlight .....More later...
2003
JANUARY We'll be in France for months now - Fulton doing the Stereolab LP and EP.
JUNE Susan can be heard doing some back vocals on upcoming High Llamas CD to be released September 2003 called 'Beet, Maize and Corn"
2002
NOVEMBER. My dear friend Mary Hansen has died, I'm devastated to say. She was hit by a truck while riding her bicycle in London. So many things will stay with me regarding Mary. Her humor, loyalty and generosity as a friend. She was supposed to come over the next day and help me look after my baby while I packed some things for when Fully and I sold our flat. She was one of the most humble, down-to-earth, funniest people I have ever known. She could make the most boring task seem like a great adventure. She was responsible for introducing me to my husband four years ago at a High Llamas show. She was a great musician and singer - just check out her work with Stereolab. The last time I saw her was just in October when we were doing some vocals for the next High llamas cd. We couldn't look at eachother while we were singing because we kept making eachother laugh so much. I was honoured to know her...God I'll miss her.
APRIL- "Last Lament" a song from my upcoming CD can be heard on May episode of TV show Dawson's Creek
MARCH - Susan James (that's me) can be heard singing backing vocals on the latest High Llamas CD "Buzzle Bee"
MARCH- Susan (that's me) engineered and can be heard on single (A & B side) "The Horizontalist" by Mary Hansen of Stereolab.
|
