Music
Press
James Grant "Mythology"(independent) - James Grant's latest CD, "Mythology," is filled with technically perfect guitar work in the spirit of the '80s and '90s efforts by Joe Satriani. However, to draw simple comparisons with that pioneering player's approach would not paint a complete picture. Grant has the soul of a bluesman, notably on "Rainmaker" and "Oasis," on which the guitarist's work recalls Gary Moore's fretwork on "Still Got the Blues." Irvine-based Grant plays with incredible skill, wrapping expressive solos in textured arrangements that blend elements of progressive rock, modern jazz and electric blues. Grant performed at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at on the 28th of OCT opened for Dread Zeppelin. You might like if you enjoy: Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Gary Moore - Robert Kinsler:The OC Register
“This is one of the finest indie CD’s I have ever heard. it's really great...... - of the 'Georgia Straight'
" James Grants raw talent is something I have seldom witnessed in my number of years in the industry, his work places him in the handful of Canada's most preeminent forces in music including Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlan, and few others.” - Holger Petersen
' I received the CD Mythology by James Grant about a month ago. I have recently reviewed it. I have to say I have rarely heard a guitar player quite as talented as James. His guitar playing ability is amazing'. - Kim White
‘His success is no fluke but rather the just rewards for a supremely talented musician’.
- Ellie O’Day
“James has an extraordinary ability... he is world class and unique...every now and then an industry is privileged to witness the rise of prominence of a truly influential talent. James Grant is just such an individual.” - Bob Cottingham
Discography
From His Album Mythology ( available on CDbaby.com)
'Patong Beach' was aired on ABC TV's Primetime Show MD's in a segment featuring Macy Gray.
Also on this album is the award winning piece 'JADE' which aired on CFOX Radio.
Photos
Bio
"Mythology" is available at CDbaby.com/ TowerRecords.com/ Amazon.com/ and Itunes.com
From the CD “Patong Beach” was aired on an ABC TV’s primetime show called “MD’s”, behind a segment that featured Macy Gray.
Located in Southern California , James Says “ I have the heart of a blues guitar player but have always been interested in opening up other harmonic territories and exploring sounds that can take people on a journey through their own emotions. For example “Rainmaker” has been described as “Pink Floydesque” and “Jade” as an example of how to make a guitar cry. “Patong Beach” probably gets closest to a traditional minor blues pattern but then the “double stop” bends are reminiscent of Roy Buchanan. And “Darkstar, ” with it’s drop D tuning has a lovely brooding vibe to it, which I have a great time superimposing funky, spiky riffs on top of. When I’m asked what to call this music I don’t have a quick snappy response…..it’s real…it’s heartfelt…. it’s different.
Regarding the title of the CD,” it was inspired by the writings of Joseph Campbell the great teacher of Mythology. We are all, every one of us on a mythological journey …the Quest or the Hero’s Journey..... these archetypes lie deep within the spirit. When you listen to this music you will feel my journey…..it’s my sincere hope that it inspires others on theirs.”
James is originally from Montreal, where his father had been the first violinist in the Montreal Symphony.
At five years of age he exhibited signs of interest in playing the guitar by taking his father’s violin, flipping it over
and plucking it like a six string. After a move to the west coast to Vancouver, he spent years in the A circuit
playing and building a reputation that culminated with a blues rock quartet called “Small Mercies”. This group
(which played Jame’s compositions) was comprised of John Howard on vocals and bass, Frank Dato on drums
and Dave Webb on Hammond organ and keyboards won radio station CFOX ‘s yearly talent contest where they competed with hundreds of bands.
From this they were chosen to play at actor Lou Gossett Jr.’s wrap party for the movie “The Inspectors” being filmed at the time.
The songs “So Many Nights” and “Jade” also received substantial airplay from CFOX.
From there James made his way south where he played with many blues based artists throughout the Austin Texas area.
It was also here that his “Mythology” project took shape. Here was where he built the computer based studio and developed the programming and engineering skills necessary to complete his vision…..an album of guitar instrumentals steeped in soulful, lyrical playing infused with a bit of techno, modern loops, grooves and ambiences.
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