Bluesy singer/songwriter, Darrin James, released the single “Bombs Away” as the first in a new series he plans to offer via his label, Ravine Records.
James was born in Kentucky, raised in Metro-Detroit, and spent a formative decade in New York City, honing his skills as a producer, guitarist and singer-songwriter, before returning to Ann Arbor, Michigan, a unique, liberal college-town with a great history supporting jazz, blues and folk music. Upon his return, James set up a state-of-the-art studio on Main Street. His musical style is as varied as his background as it draws on his love of the blues and folk music of the south, the Motown soul and classic rock n’ roll rawness of Detroit, and the eclecticism and immediacy of Brooklyn.
In New York, James assembled a stellar roster of Brooklyn musicians, and in 2006 he released his debut album, Thrones of Gold, which earned a wealth of positive reviews in the press, as well as radio and television exposure. James’ gravelly vocals and thought-provoking lyrics generated immediate comparisons to Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The lyrics of the bluegrass-tinged title track, “Thrones of Gold,” were published in American Songwriter magazine. The beatnik blues “Crazy World” was placed on the Emmy-nominated reality TV sensation, The Deadliest Catch.
Darrin James Band’s second album, The Lovely Ugly Truth, was released in 2009. The album is filled with parables that illustrate moral dilemmas and regret.
A vinyl release is due out in 2014. With a new studio and a roster of great musicians from both Brooklyn and Ann Arbor such as Dave Johnson (Project/Object), Dan Bennett (Nomo), Ross Huff (Macpods), Tim Haldeman, and Dan Piccolo.
[audio:Bombs Away.mp3|titles=Bombs Away|artists=Darrin James]
“Bombs Away” by Darrin James
