History
James May picked up a guitar in 1964 and has been playing ever since. In his early twenties he worked as a professional guitarist and recording engineer. After that came a brief 25 year hiatus to raise a family, during which time the acoustic guitar was never out of reach.
Journey
His life took unexpected turns after losing his daughter Cassandra, age 22, to a drunk driver in 2004. After an intense, time-warped period of darkness and pain, a whisper of a voice—perhaps an inner voice—became audible and said, "more singing will help". And so he started singing a lot, and sure enough it helped a lot. And then another voice said, "it's time to start dancing". He did that, and lo and behold joy returned. Together, singing and dancing conspired to plant a seed in his brain which sprouted and grew (the seed, not his brain!). One day it spoke in a clear voice, "why not write your own songs?". That was early 2007. Since then, many songs have been written and much new music has emerged.
Style
With diverse influences like the Beatles, Paul Simon, Ferron, Dee Carstensen, Neil Young, and many others, James writes from the heart about life, death, longing, rebirth, reunion, lightness, and grace.
Debut Release
His 1st album "A Thousand Shining Pieces" was released in August 2009. It was produced by Keith Greeninger (of City Folk fame) and features a cast of supporting musicians from the greater San Francisco area. The record contains 13 original songs in a warm, contemporary folk style. Heart centered, heliotropic*, and organic, using mostly acoustic instruments. Sometimes Beatlesque and in spots Paul Simonish, with an occasional jazz tilt or Latin rhythm, James delivers catchy melodies and tender, inviting lyrics to convey a journey that is both personal and universal.
*Heliotropic: turning toward the sun