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A lifetime of live playing and years of studio work, have taught James to adapt the harmonica to any kind of popular music: -Rock, Blues, Soul, Country, Folk, Bluegrass or pure Pop. The range of his versatility encompasses complex stylistic fusions, beautiful emotive ballads, atmospheric Blues and fast-moving Country-Rock.
Beginning in 1965, James was inspired by such pioneering British Blues acts as John Mayall, The Yardbirds and many others, which led him to the work of the Chicago greats. By 1967, he was one ofEast Kent's outstanding Blues harmonica players and a regular feature at Folk clubs all over the area. In 1968, James sat in with Peter Green's original Fleetwood Mac, at Folkestone's Leas Cliff Hall, and a year later with Alexis Korner.
In 1987, he won the World Harmonica Championships and was immediately signed by President Records to make an instrumental solo album. Written and produced by ace guitarist and producer, Ray Fenwick, it features the talents of drummer, Cozy Powell and pedal steel guitarist, B J Cole. The album, "Southern Region Breakdown" won enormous critical acclaim, a lot of airplay, and was compared favourably with the best of Charlie McCoy's solo recordings. In 1993, James was "poached" by guitar wizard, Tony Farinha, to join the superb Rock 'n rioter 'n B band -The Werewolves of London.
James has played on many sessions, such as: -the "Jamaica" album for producer, Mickie Most, the "Subaru Outback Whip" series of commercials, starring Paul Hogan, for composer, David Dundas; the sound track of the BBC film "The Merriehill Millionaires"; the "Gophers" TV Series and the 1989 Robbie Coltrane TV special. He has worked with TV composer, Bill Connor, and recorded with Rik Mayall and Jools Holland.
- Screen name:
- Jim Darby
- Member since:
- Oct 02 2011
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Very Committed
- Years playing music:
- 45
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- 2-3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 2-3 nights a week
- Most available:
- Nights
Influences
Little Walter, Charlie McCoy, Sonny Terry
