James Christensen, Neal Cadogan, and Chris Forkey with occasional guest appearances by John McCarty, Steve Mayone, Hugh McGowan, Aurelio Ramos, Jeremy Parker and Jamie O'Connell.
Influences
Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Neil Young, The Eagles, The Band, Leondard Cohen, William S. Burroughs, Tom Waits, Wilco, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Billy Bragg, Beck, REM, Frank Black, Vic Chesnutt, Lucinda Williams, Morphine, The Modern Lovers, Iron and Wine, Jack Plug, Jeff Buckley, Gordon Lightfoot, Elliott Smith, The Clash
Sounds Like
Neil Young, Richard Thompson, Van Morrison, Billy Bragg, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, Warren Zevon, Joseph Arthur
Nearly forty years ago, John Lennon sang a song called 'Working Class Hero'. In it he lamented the ills of a repressive society, and praised the determined individuals who endured. James Christensen, a songwriter from Massachusetts, is a young man who has fought through many of the battles often associated with life, and his music and message are both stronger for it. In an industry that is obsessed with the quick fix, the pre-packaged, and the willingness to follow trends, some might say that Christensen has already won by continuing to do what he loves. He would, however, argue that the best is yet to come. Recent signs are certainly pointing in that direction. This much about his story is clear: James Christensen has been tried, and his music remains true.
While working several jobs as a young adult - including collecting trash, assembling toys, and selling ladies' shoes - Christensen taught himself guitar by working through chord books and studying his favorite songwriters, such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Lucinda Williams. "I was in an apartment on my own with no cable or Internet, so I spent my time practicing," Christensen says. He was deeply saddened by the premature and tragic death of his older brother, Steve. Steve's untimely passing deeply affected Christensen's worldview. He determined that he was going to do something with his life that would honor his brother's legacy. His tribute to Steve would be in the form of his music, which would also eventually become an outlet for his feelings of anger, empathy, sadness, and joy.
Christensen, according to the Boston Globe, writes songs that exhibit a "gentle, soothing grace." The Northeast Performer says "he fills his songs with a touch of humor while managing to keep them still relevant to a more serious underlying subject." Finally, Noise Magazine says, "Christensen's voice is as soothing as it is rich." In keeping with his recorded music, his performances are earnest and heartfelt. He has performed in several cities throughout the Northeast. His recently released second CD, 'Bull Rush', is now receiving airplay on over 100 stations throughout New England. This critically acclaimed release features strong lyrics in a high-energy recording that includes several outstanding guest musicians. "It's about working and drinking and getting through hard times as best you can," says Christensen. Real people and settings - denizens of pubs and blue-collar bars - figure prominently in his anthemic odes to the working class.
Christensen strongly believes in the musician's mission of writing music that connects with listeners. He takes pride in the fact that he writes songs about "the people you meet in the real world." He succeeds in giving those people a voice. His songs perfectly blend the sweet and the sour, the humorous and the sad. He is inspired by those rare occasions in life in which he sees "something true in a sea of fake." If that which is real and true inspires James Christensen, perhaps this new working class hero ought to glance in the mirror.
Christensen's discography includes his first CD, Road to Be Free (2003) and Bull Rush (2005). Music, pictures and scheduled performances can be found on his website, www.jamesmusic.net.
James. Great songs, man. It was really cool hanging out last night and and kudos for being a Shane MacGowan fan. (I saw that he was one of your friends.) Also, thanks again for the info.
While running through some cd's in the local music store here in Pittsburgh, I came across "BULL RUSH". I purchased it immediately and played it on home arrival. I enjoyed the songs upon first listen. Funny, the more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it. It's a diverse album filled with heart and soul.
Come to Pittsburgh, soon since I may not be in the Hub 'til next summer.
hi there James, I'm glad to see the music is still coming from you :) I enjoy it too hope you had a great weekend I am halfway through my Guiness session *hic .......
"few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation...it is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current wich can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
day of affirmation speech at university of cape town in june 6, 1966
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