James B. Shaw - Guitar, Vocals & Kristen Shaw - Fiddle
Influences
Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, John Allan Cameron, Jim Cuddy, John Prine, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan, Ron Hynes, Lennie Gallant, J.P. Cormier, Slaid Cleaves, James Keelaghan, David Francy, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, The Band, Gram Parsons...
Sounds Like
"The Beautiful Margaree" featured on the DVD "A Journey of the Heart". Go to www.margareesalmon.ca/
James Bennett Shaw is an emerging singer-songwriter who grew up in the Margarees. He won 2nd place in the 2008 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival songwriting contest. There were 21 entries however his song “Can You Hear Me Now” addressing the struggle of fishing in rural communities, captured favour with the judges. James accompanied by his younger sister Kristen, performed his winning song on the main stage of the festival on the Saturday evening.
James started writing songs at 17 and even from a young age, his songs captured deep emotions and told stories that almost anyone could relate to. James’ first song “The Beautiful Margaree” is featured on a DVD by the Margaree Salmon Association called “A Journey of the Heart.” This song paints vivid pictures of the river while inviting people to experience and enjoy her beauty.
James draws upon his own experiences and has written songs about the intensity and beauty of the land, the hardships of men, love and some songs celebrate our local heroes and pioneers. James sings with passion and power, while leaving lyrics that linger in your mind. The majority of his songs also feature his sister, Kristen, on the fiddle. Kristen is an upcoming fiddler who also has already started to compose some of her tunes. James’ music is influenced by many artists, some include: Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, Blue Rodeo and Ron Hynes. With a gift of being able to express his love of Cape Breton through his styles of celtic and folk, his music will touch your soul and leave you wanting to hear more. James plans on releasing a CD in the near future.
I'm hitting the road in a couple of weeks to raise money for War Child, Coast-to-coast – 50 cities – ALL PROCEEDS TO WARCHILD. Why? 66% of all war victims are CHILDREN. Shocked like me? War Child helps these children that have been affected by war. Check out the new blog – the whole story is up there. Love to have you be a part of it.
You’ll find a Blog, Tour page and a Bio page. I’ll be blogging daily from the road.
Thanks for dropping-by our page and requesting the add ... it's certainly our pleasure.
I noticed that you stem from Halifax and we're playing The Music Room, there on July 7th this year ... the last gig of our mini-tour of the Maritimes (which includes an amazing weekend at Stanfest playing with the best!)
It would be good to see you at The Music Room, if you can make it.
I've just been listening to your song The Beautiful Margaree and I like what you're doing there ... lovely sound on the guitar too.
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