Ed James is an original North East singer songwriter and instrumentalist.
His new album, Rita’s Cantina – with recent plays on BBC Introducing, Heart and Koast Radio, has been described as a unique tapestry of Folk, Rock, Rhythm & Blues with thoughtful Ballads, blended with a hint of Samba-Mambo, Flamenco and just a little Country.
His new single Don’t Throw This Away is taken from the album and released on Aug 10th
The Album is dynamic and sizable at 16 tracks and was recorded at the Cluny in Newcastle. The album featured - Tony Davis (Keyboard), Paul Smith and Neil Harland (Bass and Drums), Backing vocals -by Ian James Lightfoot, Tony and two of Ed’ Daughters; Francesca and Holly Maguire. The album is accompanied by a diverse mix of covers in a percussive up beat style. Mark Brenta (Kent on line) says “Ed has graced our Music-festival for the last 4 years and will be one of the 2017 headline acts. His music is delivered with passion, dexterity and personality. Strong vocals and musicianship underpin a very unique style. An Ed James show is not to be missed.
Whether attempting to harness the energy of a rowdy pub, a music festival or his favourite venue; a captive audience like Porters or the Live Theatre, Ed is at home and will have you singing his songs for weeks after the event. Ed James (aka - Laurence E J Maguire) hails from North Shields/Tynemouth. Ed has lived in Fulbeck, Morpeth since 2002. He attended Tynemouth Grammar Technical school. His Kids went to Kings in Tynemouth. Ed lived for several years in Chas Chandler’s old house, in Cullercoats before work took him to Denmark in 1999. He played with many notables in his earlier days, most recently with Morgan Le Faye (European Tour 2005). However business and family had largely led Ed away from music, with such a large family to feed Ed recorded Charlie’s song in 2012 : My Shooting Star (shine on) for the Cookson Foundation. They have now adopted it as their anthem. Ed was C.E.O. Hansen Group (a major Multi-National Building Materials Group) for 10 years to 2004. He had a very successful career in business but is now a fully-fledged muso. He set up a new business at the end of 2005, but that is now in the safe hands of his son Chris, leaving Ed the time and opportunity to pursue his first love again.
The decision to record the album and take to the road was influenced in no small part by the tragic death of good friend Dave Black (Goldie, Kestrel etc). Ed says, “I’d known Dave since we were 14. He always called me “cop out” because he reckoned that unlike him I didn’t have the courage to follow my music. The fact is, I was too shy. Well I’m not now, so when he died, I resolved to put the record straight. Dave’s song “When Saturday Comes Around” closes the Album . It tells his take and that of most musicians (who live for their stage) and is my tribute to one of my heroes and a friend I miss badly” Ed is playing a number of local gigs around the region. Try to catch him, it’s a great night out !
Ed James recent recordings include available on iTunes and Spotify
Live Dates :
Black Bull MORPETH Aug 23rd 830pm
Togstone Club Broomhill10th August 8.00 pm
Blue Bell Festival Belford Northumberland18th August
Whitley bay Football Club27th October
Links :
www.edjamesmusic.co.uk
www.facebook.com/edjamesmusicuk
@EdJam1828
www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyq0yyrXLiG0WFWe4kQr-g
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