New York City songwriter Derek James is described as, "bluesy, ballsy Buddy Holly for the iPod generation" who's "sultry voice is enough to make anyone's mama blush." Since his first performance in 2003 at an open-mic in Australia, James has hopped continents with his music, playing with a self-assembled French jug band through the streets and clubs of Europe, and finally back home to New York to traverse his native States. Ragtime piano, upright bass, vintage electric guitar, ukulele, banjo, accordion and Ringo-esque drums can often be heard accompanying him at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, the House of Blues in New Orleans, opening for OK Go at George Washington University in DC, or any other of his many gigs across the country. Touring both as a solo troubadour with his guitar, kazoo and ukulele in tow, as well as with his band, the Lovely Fools, Derek James spends a good portion of his life rolling over gravel.
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"...there we were at the Knitting Factory, watching this quite enigmatic performer on stage. His songs side with more rock tendencies than pop, but with extremely catchy hooks that had the crowd dancing through the entire set..."
-- Underrated Magazine
"And me, being a bit older than the audience, and a bit more jaded-- and having already played years of music, dealt with thousands of bands, booked a million forgettable shows-- I have to say that Derek still made a heck of an impression on me. He seems to be one of those rare talents who intuitively understands the need for simple chord loops and old-time, foot-stomping rhythms. Those are the songs that readily connect with people, and that leave a lasting impression."
-- Steven Capozzola, Revolution Records
"Move over, Mraz. Take a seat, Mr. Mayer. There's a new kid in town and he's poised to take over the pop-rock, singer-songwriter throne. And he's no Jason or John or even Dave. Derek James is his name, and his debut disc, Stray, is full of eleven perfectly poppy songs that are succinct, snappy, and damn sexy."
-- FeelingAnxious.com
"Derek's musical canvas is at once a streak of vintage icons, at other times shades of contemporary flavor, but primarily, a whole lotta fresh charisma."
-- Relevant Magazine
"The eclectic, roots-rock-flavored music of Derek James takes style notes from singer/songwriters like Jack Johnson and John Mayer, and rings of rock 'n' roll bands like Coldplay."
-- OKGScene.com
"But just when you think you've easily got him pegged as a one trick act, he goes and does a complete musical 180. I'm really impressed with the versatility shown on this album, and it's making me wonder where he'll go from here."
Hello Derek! It was absolutely wonderful playing with you last night(ish-- it's only 1:23am...) You're set was wonderful and I am uploading your CD to my iTunes now! :) (Thank you again for giving me one! :) I'll be sticking your sticker on my guitar case soon, and I'll be sure to check in with you when I come out to NY!
hey, hows everything going?? Looks like you have a full schedule!! Thats pretty awesome and exciting for you I bet :) Just thought I'd stop by to say Hey :) Have a great week!
Sup man! I just lowered my album to $3.99 on my website for a limited time. Only my myspace friends know about it. It is on my front page www.derekjordanmusic.com. Grab it while its HOT!
haha, yeah i ride horses!!!...ill post some pics after this weekend, my roomie and i are going horseback riding all weekend and camping of course, so it should be a great time!
i found your music on pandora! can't find your album anywhere but itunes though. obviously, the music stores around houston just don't know what good music is! ;)
