Vigor, Alarm and a Prophet's Conviction
Compared
to fiery folk-soul artists such as Richie Havens, Marvin Gaye, Otis
Redding, Wilson Pickett, Ron Townson, and Percy Sledge, Vinnie James
draws his inspirational roots from this handful of iconic
singer/songwriters, each known for bringing a raw soul edge to Folk and
Americana music.
Vinnie James is hailed by music critics as one
of today's most insightful singer-songwriters, having already received
widespread critical acclaim for his groundbreaking soul-folk debut, "All
American Boy (RCA/BMG),” as well as slots on major world tours, with
artists such as Sade, Tina Turner, STYX, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, and
many others.
A soloist in his father’s Baptist church choir at
the age of 8, and nurtured on songs such as: “Oh Happy Day,” “Jesus,
Lover Of My Soul,” and “Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord,” Vinnie
(the "son of a preacher man") developed an earthy, raw, dusky vocal
style, and a vocal delivery that is often reminiscent of his father's
raw pulpit preaching style.
Mike Bohem, music journalist for the
L.A. Times, describes Vinnie James’ voice as: "a husky, soul-tinged
voice..." that, "...bristles with vigor, alarm and a prophet's
conviction..." And in another L.A. Times article, Bohem describes Vinnie
James as being: "Full of fire and in your face passion."
Described
as "a master wordsmith," by Maxine Jewett, President of the Southwest
Acoustic Music Association, Vinnie James pens songs that take you from
deeply moving, folk ballads, to powerfully raw, full-blown foot
stompers, cradled in the soulful groove of drums, bass, church organs,
and gospel choir backing vocals, all laced with Vinnie's soulful vocals
and his signature "acoustic jackhammer" style of guitar playing.
Jim
McKenna, who heads the Glasgow Festival of Songwriting in Glasgow,
Scotland, calls Vinnie James, an "astonishing songwriter," who's songs
explore themes ranging from political injustice and social revolution,
to love, lust and loss; all written with intricate, well-crafted poetic
images, showing a refreshing vulnerability and mature lyrical character.
Gil
Griffin of the Washington Post, says of Vinnie James, "...his writing
exhibits a developed, analytical (and self-analytical) maturity." Cary
Darling of the Orange County Register adds that Vinnie's music, "has a
folk edge and fits squarely in the singer-songwriter tradition of Graham
Parker, Elvis Costello and John Hiatt." Record industry icon David
Geffen once called Vinnie James, "a distinctive multi-threat talent."
After
writing his extensive and glowing review of James' "Songs for the Long
Journey" collection, Jim Pipkin, writing for the well-respected online
music magazine HickoryWind.org went on to choose that recording as the
number-one album of 2007.
Additionally, Maxine Jewett, President
of the Prestigious Southwest Acoustic Music Association, writing an
early review of the album, has this to say: "'Songs for the Long
Journey' is much more than simply a CD; it is an audible work of art.
Every cut could stand alone as its own CD, none are similar to the song
before or after it. Vinnie James is a master wordsmith, "Homeless Man"
is a remarkably poignant tale of compassion by the 'have nots' for those
who have even less. Throughout the CD, James' commentary is critical
but hopeful and the dynamics of the music are tricky, tricky, tricky.
Listen to "County Line". Just when you think you know where this chord
is going, he rips the rug out from underneath you. I love it!! My advice
is buy two copies because you will wear one out."
When asked
what he would like to accomplish as a songwriter, James adds, "I just
want to be someone people can look back on, many years from now and say,
'Vinnie James was a committed songwriter whose songs pay tribute to his
folk-soul roots, and who made a major contribution to the art of
songwriting.’”
The critical acclaim, and the growing worldwide awareness of Vinnie James and his music, seem to indicate he's doing just that.
Give
him a serious listen, there’s a good chance you’ll agree, Vinnie James
is one artist you definitely want to add to your music library.