James grew up on a property in rural NSW he was introduced to blues and country music at a young age and it had a lasting impact. He didn’t learn an instrument till his family moved to the (relatively) big smoke of Newcastle. James found his mothers old guitar after the move and was determined to learn to play it. He started writing songs about three years later at the age of 19.
After nearly four years of performing on stage with bands and as a solo artist, James decided to record an album of original material which was recorded over a week in late 2011. The 15 songs on the album, JAMES THOMSON present the emergence of a phenomenally talented new artist.
This is earnest folk – no tricks, no frills, just tasteful playing and a collection of laidback laments, “waiting while our lonely nights start turning into years”. Fifteen songs, clocking in more than an hour, is an ambitious debut, but the quality of the songwriting suggests this is the start of something special. Jeff Jenkins – STACK
“…I really dig this guy…” – Peter Jesperson (New West Records)
“…I think Thomson might be something special…” – Bernard Zuel (Sydney Morning Herald)
“…compellingly genuine Country Blues…” – Martin Jones (Rythyms Magazine)
“…There’s a bit of Townes Van Zandt, Ryan Adams and a bit of Honky Tonk…a record that makes you want to do nothing so much as curl up and listen to it…” – Sophie Hamley – (Jolene: The Country Music Blog)
“…from the (album’s) first track you know you’re in for something really special…” – Chris Familton Post To Wire
In support of his debut album, James toured the east coast of Australia and along the way performed with artists such as Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers), Mark Olson (The Jayhawks, Creekdippers), Nashville artists Robert Ellis and Jonny Fritz as well as performing at a number of folk and blues festivals.
James’ debut album received nationwide airplay and a swathe of humbling reviews from various publications.
“This album is a very strong start for a young artist – one can only hope he continues to write and play for many years to come, and that there will soon be another album of this calibre. ” Jolene The Country Music Blog
2014 – 2015 Home from three months traveling and performing through the Southern US states, James has finished a new album COLD MOON
“Thomson’s debut album was an introduction to a songwriter already sounding beyond his years in terms of his songs and their lived-in delivery.
That promise has been refined and stylistically expanded on this exceptional follow-up. Thomson imbues its themes of affairs of the heart, both good and bad, the way a city can wear you down and the desire to escape to the country, with convincing emotional vulnerability and weight, drawing from the blue/country/folk traditions. The resonant balance of melody, emotion and authenticity makes this one of the finest local Americana albums of recent years.” Chris Familton the Music
jthomsonmusic@gmail.com
