Some more of my songs and info about 'the band' below - but first... there are some very fine musicians among my 'top friends', but many many more hidden among my 'other friends' - so I've set up another myspace solely to provide links to some that I really like. I'll be adding more as time goes by, but even among my 'favourites' it'll be a bit of a lottery 'cos there are just so many! Click HERE and myspace.com/jamesgalepicks will open in a new window!
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'Band members': just James Gale, singer-songwriter guitarist, basically, although from time to time some of James's friends and fellow musicians are coerced into joining in - especially Fran Sinclair and Mike Bowles - otherwise known as the excellent 'Some People', the amazing Martin John, and the very lovely and equally talented (as singer, songwriter and guitarist) Hilary Pavey
BUT now... there is also The James Gale Band - James Gale, Doug Hamilton and Elliott Scott
... at St Bon's, 6 July 2007 (photo: Trevor George)
Influences
Too many to list, but all peripheral. Maybe Leonard Cohen, Dylan, Paul Simon, Al Stewart...
You can DOWNLOAD tracks from JG's CD EP '5' here - rumour has it they're quite good (remember we Brits tend to go in for litotes rather than hyperbole - at least some of us do). There are lo-fi mp3s of 'You can't wrap your arms round a memory' (words & music (c) James Gale 2007) and 'A whisper in the darkness' (words (c) Meiying/James Gale, music (c) James Gale 2007) on the player now - you can listen to the others in lo-fi at iLike.
(PROMO HYPE!!!) Bristol born and bred, with roots deep in the UK West Country, James Gale has returned to the music scene he left long ago and is rapidly forging a reputation as a writer of original, sensitive and thought-provoking songs. Numbering at the latest count well over 100 and steadily growing, his songs are for the most part solo efforts but include the fruits of several collaborations with other talented lyricists.
In performance, feedback says he provides audiences with a genuinely pleasurable and satisfying experience. Without any trace of going over the top, he succeeds in conveying the emotional content of lyrics to the full.
James also has a repertoire of over 200 covers ranging from jazz-tinged standards to English traditional and touching most points in between - country, soft rock, blues, ballads...
Tracks currently on the player: 'You can't wrap your arms round a memory', 'Everywhere I go (you're following me)', 'The Word', 'Like a used telephone' and 'The way you answer the phone' are all purely James Gale originals – words and music. The words of 'A whisper in the darkness' are by Meiying and James Gale, music by JG.
Lyrics/chords are available on request – but please remember (I’m sure the reminder’s not necessary!) all songs are original and copyrighted…
...and now there's The James Gale Band - JG with the excellent Elliott Scott on drums/percussion and the multi-talented Doug Hamilton on stand-up electric bass and other instruments.
View my page on Folkwit et L'Abripom... James Gale took us on a tour of his songs, old & new, catchy numbers & more reflective pieces vying for the audience's attention. His recent journeys to play in mainland Europe have brought a new edge to his performance. He still has his old magic though...
Helen Ditchburn (High Notes Showcase, February 2008)
James’ style is very much American roots and he played us some excellent songs. James has been working with a poet in New York and has set some of her work to music, the result is quite awesome with some beautiful songs being produced.
Brian Inglis (from 'The Note', March 2008)
James’ MySpace describes him as country, but I think the man should not be categorised as he has also developed jazz, soft rock, blues and ballads as well as English trad influences. 'Everywhere I go'
Familiar intro, but adorable lyrics. Either about a woman possessed or someone he misses. One can imagine an audience drawn into his world… as is shown by the popularity of this track. 'Three Moons'
An emotional ballad moving towards his Leonard Cohen style of songwriting. The simple chords and guitar accompaniment let the listener enjoy the story unfold. [JG – but these are Meiying's words, not mine...] 'The Word'
As a woman, I’m drawn to this poetry either emotionally or physically. Again the music is simple but (the words) complement this simplicity.
(overall) ***** ~ Excellent
'Little Bear'/MUSICREVIEW (April 2008)
“...his name is James Gale - we had him over here in Gothenburg to do a few gigs that we do regularly and he went down a storm...”
(John Woodall of 'We Ghosts', February 2008)
Hi, yes indeed you did see me at Bitton, I am Alisons mad Welsh friend!! Really enjoyed your music that day and hope to see you again soon. Take care Van x
As we are playing Metal Camp festival in Slovenia in a few weeks on July 5th we have decided to upload to 2 brand new tracks from our forthcoming debut album. The songs are called:
Thanks allot for your kind words James. The first 4 tracks are recent. They will be on my new CD that I'm trying to get mastered now. Still loving Nashville, even though unemployed. Playing the Songwriters Fest here in a couple weeks. Take care! Yours in song, Shasta
James!! Yihiiiii!!!! I'm SO glad to meet you in July!! Ahhh!!!.... And see you performing, after all this time, coresponding with you and all... I just saw you play the 4th! Awww, that's really, really, and divinely amazing :) I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait!!!! xxxxx Have a great day Fanny
Pour la 6ème édition du Festival Country de Gramat, le programme de ces 3 journées de fêtes regroupe toutes les manifestations sur le site de la Garenne : stages de danse country, expositions de voitures et motos américaines, concerts de musique, épreuves d’équitation western, présentations amérindiennes (avec tipis, amérindiens et westerner’s), expositions artisanales et jeux pour les enfants. Comme les années précédentes, ambiance Far-West assurée pour les petits comme pour les grands ! L’animation de la ville ne sera pas oubliée avec la traditionnelle parade des cavaliers, des motos, des danseurs, des chevaux… à travers les rues de Gramat. En 2009, la programmation musicale du Festival est composée de groupes de renommée internationale avec une « pointure » française en tête d’affiche : MICHAEL JONES le dimanche 26 juillet au soir.
Organisateur : Causse Country Club
Contact : Maison du Tourisme Site web : http://www.gramatcountryfestival46.com
Contact : 05.65.38.73.60
Programme :
VENDREDI 24 JUILLET :
ROSE ALLEYSON (UK) (Country) VIKTOR HUGANET (FR) (Rockabilly)
Oh well, right now I've been away from music making for a while and really have no plans other than start writing and recording again. Performing is really another project altogether. I did it a lot when I was young, and I really enjoy it, but it's the whole business of getting a band together, rehearsing, booking gigs... it's another kettle of fish alltogether. I'm not too confident about my abilities either, I'm fell pretty comfortable in the songwriter/producer role right now. Main instrument: Steinberg Cubase. :-) But we'll see...
Sorry for missing your gigs, I was lined up for the last one when Auli msg'd me about the cancellation. Stupid!
Meanwhile, I'm back again after six silent months or so. Lack of energy and gear trouble, mostly. New track up, a pretty drastic reworking of a song by local Göteborg pop hero Håkan Hellström. Please feel free to check it out!
Hi James, Sounds good! Thanks for befriending me and Paint It Black. Hope you like it. Wish you success and inspiration with your music, and many delights. all best, Janet F.
Hi James - Great to hear from you, my old friend - I hope your music is flowing - Thanks for your support of our charity initiative - from your old friend - JOHnNY GRAY - Music Always!
Hey James- Thank you very much for taking the time to listen to what my music is all about and for all the kind words. I really appreciate it and I hope all is well with you! Stay positive and have a wonderful week. I do hope you keep in touch and let me know how things are with you as well.
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