Samuel James

In general I tend to stay away catchy, repetitive music. In a sense blues is supposed to be bare and stripped down to just a singer and guitar, which translates to repetitive licks and lyrics. But in the midst of all the traditional straightforward blues there is always room for improvisation and passion. Many hail Samuel James as one of the most authentic contemporary blues artists, and yet his music is such a breath of fresh air. He incorporates many traditional blues methods but he has managed to define a sound unlike anyone else I've ever heard.

I actually sat right next to this guy at a small blues concert in Manitou Springs. He was headlining but during the opening act he sat in the back row with a hoodie drawn over his face. I didn't realize that this hooded fellow was Samuel until he took the stage. He has quite a presence, both during songs and between, filled to the brim with witty jokes and a zeal for playing his guitar. His set was almost entirely covers, yet each new inception of the songs produced something completely new; his style reworked even Michael Jackson's Billie Jean into a virtuosic blues piece. His meandering tempo changes brought us at one moment to melodic contemplation, at others to a foot stopping frenzy. His intricate fingerstyle strumming was mesmerizing, and the archaic slide work brings out the soul of an acoustic guitar.

Try these songs out, 2 are instrumentals and 2 highlight his lovely growling voice. (Albums: For Rosa, Maeve and Noreen; Songs Famed for Sorrow and Joy)

Bigger, Blacker Ben


Runnin' From my Baby's Gun Whilst Previously Watching Butterflies from my Front Porch


The 'Here Comes Nina' Country Ragtime Surprise


Wooooo Rosa

(And his sideburns go up)