Brad James is a thief.
Not your typical robber, mind you. Humble, sincere, and
honest, the Stoney Creek, Ontario-based country singer/songwriter would never
dream of taking someone else's physical property.
With his chiselled features, velvety voice and rugged
handsomeness though, he is an unintentional bandit of adoration; an emotional
kleptomaniac stealing hearts and thoughts across Canada. Talented, dapper and
smooth, Brad James is the kind of guy male country music fans want to be and
female country fans just plain want.
Factor in that his self-titled debut full-length CD is one
the of the most compelling and enthralling experiences Canadian country music
has encountered in some time, and one can see why James is considered a
purloiner of passion and outright musical master.
Born in the modest town of Belleville, Ontario, the past
seven years have found this engaging singer/songwriter discover an adoration
for music when literally stumbling into his first acoustic guitar.
“My friend left a guitar in my trunk and I started messing
around with it. I learned a couple of chords and really came to enjoy it,” he
confides wistfully about his humble beginnings. “Working at a country bar, I
got to know some of the bands. Eventually, one of them convinced me to get up
on stage on and sing. Besides being ridiculously nervous, it was amazing. That
was my first introduction to singing country tunes.”
Delving into his craft with fervour has resulted in a
namesake debut that is virtually unequalled. A fan of rock, drawn to classical,
steeped in country and schooled in jazz—having graduated from Mohawk College's
Jazz Program circa 2007—James may have had a simple introduction to melody but
he is creating one hell of an impact on it. Showcasing James' originality, vitality
and relentless drive, his solo effort provokes the world of country music to
new levels of catchiness, cunning, and creativity.
Naturally, James' talent—when amalgamated with being easy on
the retinas—produces a mesmerizing live performance. Distinct, unforgettable
and enrapturing thanks to a unique style, James reveals a steadfast country
foundation with intimations of other popular music to highlight. Reflecting
unassumingly however, he notes that while not intending to become a solitary
performer, fate dictated it.
“Once I knew I wanted to play country, I just ploughed ahead
with my own convictions and dreams. I have an idea of what style of music I
love, whether it be listening or playing. Not everybody is going to agree with
that or share the vision of what I want to build and create. So, when it came
to working with a band or pursuing this alone, I went solo.”
James does note that he's not entirely companionless though.
His debut has garnered a powerful relationship with producer Dale Penner (Nickelback,
Matthew Good Band, and Holly McNarland).
Forging a quick friendship during a Canadian Country Music
Awards ceremony, their similar goals and working mindsets made them inseparable
during the completion of James' vibrant exercise in emotive, contemplative and
simply enjoyable tunes from the lilting ballad “Bitter” to candied “That Sorta
Thing” and inspiring “Waitin’ on a Miracle.”
“I tend to keep it to myself because I just want people to
enjoy themselves but most of the songs are about love, love, love,” he reveals
about his music's lyrical motivation. “Whether it be lost, new, impending or
whatever, there's always something to write about when that's involved.”
To that extent, James feels that his debut album is the
perfect representation of his live performance. Amusingly, after a
nerve-jangling start, it's now where he is most comfortable, evoking reaction,
meditation and pleasure while garnering exactly the same. Confident without
being cocky and certainly a figure any eyes and ears welcome readily, with this
inaugural release, he aspires to many years, miles and moments full of
plundering his audiences' passion.
“I think my goals are pretty simple really,” he concludes.
“Honestly, I love interacting with the audience. It's that immediate gratification
that you get when you know that the person/people are right there with you. The
joy I get from performing, I think that that translates to the audience and to
this record. It was just fun at first—and still is—but as things progress, I
dream bigger and work harder.”