Artiste and Gig Review - Simon James

Seat 4 at this Nashville Sounds In The Round was occupied by Simon James.  It felt unusual to see Simon solo – not with his own band The Deep River Pilots, or supporting anyone else, as that is very much Simon’s style – jumping in to help and support fellow artistes.

How do you describe Simon and his music?  I put this question to the other half of Silverball Country - Francesca- who is quite a fan and has seen Simon more times than I have.  Her initial, simple response was to send me a picture of the album “Ordinary Man” – and that really does sum Simon James up – although musically and lyrically he is far from ordinary

Seat 4 is never the easiest seat, having to follow some great artistes, but Simon was unfazed – although certainly complimentary about the quality of his on-stage colleagues

Quietly impressive, Simon has no need to rely on anything other than his voice and his guitar to make his point.  He could successfully sing any genre but his ability to relate to the ordinary man and his affection for denim puts him into the wider country genre, although his songs are reflect and resonate with a time and generation gone by, evoking the spirit of “yes, times are hard but we carry on (and write a song about it!)”. 

Simon is a true example of what can perhaps be described as British Folk Country.  His songs are true, his songs are relatable, his lyrics are real and his voice is calm, measured and delightful to listen to – reflecting his personality.

Simon told a typically honest story of a near midlife crisis about his music leading to a realisation of a love for performing to appreciative audiences, introducing us to “Something Worth Fighting For”, A gorgeous, honest, heartfelt song, punctuated by an audible "wow" from the crowd as he finished

Age was a recurring theme throughout the night, and Simon talking about growing older, people dying, getting divorced or becoming alcoholic created a pseudo down mood that raised many laughs. He followed this with "Flower in the Rain" which he wrote for a friend going through a tough time. This was
obviously emotional for Simon to perform, and he gave what seemed to be a nervous smile at the end.

There was no story to introduce “Last Goodbye” as it stands on its own – and he had already been barracked for his stories – but like his lyrics they were honest and personal.  The song is normally played with a full band, so Steven Marks again stepped in, this time replacing the fiddle for the middle eight

Simon has just signed that elusive record deal – typically this wasn’t a boast, just a valid reason for there being no music for sale on the merch table!  The new album will feature the song “Happy Ever After”, previewed for the audience.

His next song normally features Sam Coe on vocals, but as Sam was in the audience and not on stage, Kezia Gill joined Simon for “Oh Honey”, and got a big thumbs up from the watching Sam.

Simon rounded off his set with “Ready To Fly” which was particularly appreciated by what appeared to be the Simon James fan cub in the side seating area!

Simon James is no ordinary man, he is a delightful man, a talented man and a man who, despite his age (he is really not that old!) has a promising and exciting future.

Find Simon James online, on stage, with his band, with other bands and with anyone who needs his help – which he gives willingly

http://www.simonjamesmusic.co.uk/