about James
With a career spanning over four decades, James developed a signature guitar style through his exploration of folk, jazz, rock, and blues. He began performing professionally in the early 1980’s playing in rock, blues, country, and Top 40 bands before finding his voice as a solo acoustic singer-songwriter.
His (6) original albums include The Vibewrangler Sessions, Dispatch from Purgatory, and The Days of Convenience..
James is a versatile/solo guitarist currently exploring the classic jazz songbook, and re-connecting with his Epiphone Les Paul.
His playing blends the melodic precision of a Mark Knopfler with rich jazz and blues textures. Fronted by a warm, resonant baritone voice, James breathes natural life into everything from soulful jazz standards to intimate, storytelling folk ballads.
He was born in Airdrie, Scotland and raised in and around the suburbs of Toronto 🇨🇦
Reviews.
“…singer/songwriter James Clark Jones has created a multi-genre gem with the days of convenience, his latest CD.
The disc kicks off with a beautiful poetry reading and then travels through jazz, blues, folk, celtic music and many other sonic territories. No matter where the songs lead, they're all reinforced with great songwriting and storytelling. Highlights include the bluesy/jazzy Cool, the power of Rising Young Man, and the sweet melancholy of Whisky. (HAMILTON BLUES LOVERS)
James Clark Jones accompanies his world-class songs on acoustic and electric guitar. He has managed to keep the sound extremely minimalist. This record is a welcome surprise for lovers of emotionally sincere ballads (Better Days, The Last Martini, and Look At You). “Dispatch From Purgatory” continues its journey via the refined Straight A’s Blues to the swing in The Years Away From You. Jazz is not skipped in the pleasantly lazy Wonder, while the CD concludes with growling blues swing in Waiting For The Phone. James Clark Jones sings like a driven Cat Stevens. His guitar playing has the fiery energy of Leon Redbone. “Dispatch From Purgatory” is a devilishly pleasant record with unpolished gems. (AltCountry Forum)