PHIL JAMES
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PHIL JAMES

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Band Folk Acoustic

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Press


"HTV Wales Series – Zac’s Place"


Phil James’ faith takes him into the difficult world of prison life in an attempt to encourage prisoners to get a hold of their lives. He runs all sorts of courses that help inmates feel more empowered as well as trying to inspire them through song.

Phil comes from a tradition that gave us Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Billy Bragg. His stunning rendition of the self-penned ‘Everything Swerves to Rot’, a slamming indictment of the modern condition, held the Zac’s Place audience throughout and was one of the highlights of the series.

(www.htvwales.co.uk/zacsplace)
- HTV WALES


"Phil James -This Way Up!"

I hope that Phil James won't resent the comparison with Martyn Joseph. They both reside in South Wales, use the same backing band, play technically excellent acoustic guitar and write strongly melodic songs about things that matter. This is a beautifully flavoursome album. It is overly wordy at times, though at others strikingly adept at simplicity without sounding twee. The arrangements and instrumentation are not innovative but they are perfectly measured: the occasional vocal harmonies are heavenly; Hammond organ and accordion are marvellously understated; and drums are only used when absolutely necessary. CCM anoraks can also gain extra points for spotting the echoes of my favourite Malcolm and Alwyn track. Fans of acoustic troubadours will not be disappointed.

(Stuart Blackburn)

- Cross Rhythms Magazine


"Shine Like You Review"

....the Welsh singer/songwriter produces an album of warmth, subtlety and deft musicianship. Pride of place goes to Phil's beautifully played acoustic which when picking bluesy figures on "Take Me Back", finding clever jazz chords on "Be With You" or finding a haunting folk figure on "Best Years", always gives his hauntingly, wistful songs their depth and texture. This album is more than brilliant guitar work however. Phil's voice is expressive and easy on the ear, the arrangements/accompaniments are satisfyingly organic while his lyrics, taking in topics such as the ways of an unfaithful lover (Once Bitten), travelling home to that special loved one (Honey Blue) and childhood reminiscence (Best Years) are carefully crafted. And there are spiritual themes as well with the title track and its memorable images of light and darkness. All in all, a fine set from an eloquent songsmith.
- (Tony Cummings - Cross Rhythms 2006)


Discography

THIS IS THE DAY (GOSPEL) 1996
THIS WAY UP! 2001
SHINE LIKE YOU 2005 (RADIO WALES PLAYLISTED)

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Bio

SINGER/SONGWRITER WITH SENSITIVE, THOUGHTFUL LYRICS MAKING OCCASIONAL FORAYS INTO AREAS OF FAITH AND SOCIAL CONSCIENCE. SEMI PROFESSIONAL WORKING IN PRISON WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS COORDINATING CHAPLAINCY TEAM. MUSICAL INSPIRATION DYLAN, SPRINGSTEEN, JAMES TAYLOR, MARC COHN