James Hammel

James has had a passion for singing and playing guitar that spans decades. It was in Connecticut that James met Sal Salvador, (a former jazz great), who introduced him to jazz guitar. Sal ultimately challenged James that he belonged in the world of music, and that one day he would be compelled to embrace it completely. For the better part of his adult life, he considered those words to be wishful thinking and his music remained on the sidelines. Instead he took a 20-year detour building and leading large companies. Along the way he wrote songs about his life experiences that are part of his repertoire today. He also continued his focus on standards and jazz songs creating his own fresh and eclectic arrangements of these songs.

In 2001, he found himself positioned at the top of the corporate ladder looking off the edge. However, 9/11 was to be catalyst for his personal change, as it was for a lot of people. That morning he was actually landing in Newark at the same moment the towers were hit. His flight was rerouted to Buffalo and he had to drive back to New York. It was during that 9 hour drive that he remembered what Sal Salvador told him, which he never believed as a CEO: that he would go back to music…Sal was right. James knew that when the tie started feeling like a noose, it was time to rethink things. Never having forgotten Sal’s words, he took a dramatic and courageous leap back into songwriting, arranging and performing. This has lifted James to an unprecedented new joy and affirmation that he is fulfilling his destiny.

James lives in New York City and writes and performs at clubs and private events, and has recorded his first full-length CD, Do It All Over Again. In addition to being well received as a solo performer at private parties, James has performed with his band in New York City at venues such as The Metropolitan Room, Satalla, Julian's, PM, and Kavehaz (The gallery). He also has performed at the former CBGB's Gallery and The Bitter End.

James' music is characterized as being highly charged (both the up-tempo songs and the ballads have drive). His voice brings forth a boyish sense of charm and innocence while still giving James has the ability to transition from being a crooner to displaying a full pop/rock sound. Here's what James' producer had to say on his latest CD, DO It All Over Again:

What a wonderful ride it was to work with James on Do It All Over Again. Like his own adventurous leap from being CEO to singer/songwriter/musician, this aptly titled CD brings to life the same twists to convention and sense of freedom. It was a very personal project for James and an exhilarating artistic one for me. Whether it's the unexpected Latin undercurrent he lends to Kern and Field’s The Way You Look Tonight, or his combo of teasing vocals and jazzy licks on his L-5 guitar on Bobby Troup’s Route 66, the playful twists keep on coming. Sting’s (The Police) Every Breath You Take was a personal inspiration, with James’ haunting, lush arrangement, and innovative guitar layerings. We also had to include a sexy, undulating version of Michael Franks’, Down In Brazil. Finally, there are James’ original songs including the powered-up title track, Do It All Over Again, and his love songs, Why Do I Dream and Anything, Any Day Anytime. It’s here where his boyish wonder and optimism shine through. Working with a bona fied triple-threat who is equally impressive at crooning, playing, and writing makes this a very special debut. I continue to be inspired by James’ boundless musical energy. There is much more to come. .... Gennaro Tedesco, Producer.