Thanks for posting this - I'm a big fan of John's and have seen him play live in a small folk club in Wales. An absolute treat, both the concert and also meeting him.
I've posted a few videos of his here on YouTube - take a look if you like.
Hi John ! (in the hope that, as posted, you still check these comments). The promoter referred to was one Dave Walsh. There's an old b/w photo of him meeting you off the train at Wiesbaden. Just google - "John James wird auf dem Wiesbadener Bahnhof von Dave Walsh abgeholt" and then click on "nostalgie". It's actually quite a good photo .....
OH...MY...GOD!!! I knew this guy....but apparently didn't know him at all...if that makes sense. :O I can't believe I found this! He is really funny and a nice guy and soooo laid back, lol. I will say no more. John, if you read this, this just makes you even more cool than I thought you were anyway. That's a real talent you've got there...... :-/ !
.. still pulling out all his stops in such spectacular fashion. Wizz Jones was also a visitor at the same venue, around the same period. I recall that he played a blinding set which included a number or two from the illustrious Dan Hicks. Both gigs were arranged by a small time promoter whom we all knew as, Dave "The Mancunian", another ex-pat like ourselves, who was also later responsible for organising a tour of Germany and Belgium for Davy Graham who played some gigs in Wiesbaden and Mainz.
I remember seeing John play ( the only occasion, sadly, on which I ever saw him) in a little bar, Das Domizil, in Wiesbaden, Germany, back in the autumn of 1977. It was a very enjoyable and memorable night. He was joined on the small stage for a couple of numbers by a young English jazz fiddle player whose name I can no longer recall. Together they worked their magic on an appreciative crowd of locals and ex-pat Brits, amongst whom I was numbered at the time. It's great to see that John is ..
The brilliant John James has agreed to put on a show at Rugby Cultural Festival in July this year (2011) - tickets and details available by phoning 01788 535020 or emailing soundsmusic@hotmail.com.
I don't know why I never heard John before! He is so terrific & talented! Gosh, tell his management or promo folks to wake up. He should be booked solid & very well known.
Hey John - Chris Gilbey here - if you are checking comments, love to catch up with you again after all these years... I live in Australia. Come visit... You can find me on line...
A wonderful compilation... discovering it made my Sunday (which wasn't going badly before, I hasten to add!)! I remember first seeing John in about 1973 at the long gone Anvil Folk Club in the Blacksmiths Arms, Southampton. He must have been very young... but so were many of us, aspiring ragtime guitarists. Good to see you looking so good and sounding truly fantastic. Thanks John and very best wishes from the Isle of Wight... or a bit of it anyway!
Bloody ridiculous that this guy is not gigging every day of the year. Genius.
Even in 1968, all the big name guitarists hid in the shadows and watched to try to learn how to do it right.
Just seen old Elvis Costello interview where he raves about John. "Tremendous guitar player. I always wanted to play like that, but I could never get the co-ordination together."
Nice ! I discovered John James in 1972 on a compilation "Acoustic Garden" published by "Transatlantic record. I remember listening to "Picture Rag" hundreds of times to try to understand the principle! Even today, "Picture Rag" remains a mystery. It is so beautiful that I'd rather not know how it's played ... I consoled myself by learning version of "Original Rag" by John James.
Having scoured the web for news of John I was delighted to find this lovely montage. Especially so I could show my young kids, big fans of Head in the Clouds (what a sublime record!) and Acoustica Electrica. Last time I saw John at a gig in about 1985, he told me HITC had become a rarity. My worn-out LP still sounds warmer and brighter than the CD re-release I picked up recently. Iechyd dda and very best wishes to you John, from one of those who did travel far to hear you back in the 1970s.
Mike fae bonar.I think he is the best guitarists I have ever seen. He was at the Ullapool guitar festival last year and I missed it. Hope he is touring this year.
Mike fae bonar.I think he is the best guitarists I have ever seen. He was at the Ullapool guitar festival last year and I missed it. Hope he is touring this year.
Wonderful. Please upload more John James. I would travel a long way to see him perform live, so if anyone hears of a forthcoming event, don't be shy about telling us.
The Islwyn Acoustic Guitar Club is delighted to announce that the legendary Welsh acoustic guitarist John James will be making a rare live appearing in concert at the Jubilee Bar and Events Room, at Wattsville on Friday 17th September 2010.
The John James concert was superb and I would say that he has improved over the years and his singing and playing are better than ever. Tunes included Picture Rag and Anji. John lives in deepest Wales and says he wants to do more performances -- but he doesn't seem to want people to contact him. He has CD's for sale... but where can you buy them? I tried hard to persuade him to set up a website, and he says he is working on this. Meanwhile.... he does read these comments on YouTube.
John James had been the best there is for more years than he cares to remember. I miss not seeing him perform live any more - but great to see he's not lost any of his blistering ability - in fact, he's better than ever. Thanks, Carl, for the heads up to this video!
John is a great guy and a superb guitarist - in my opinion the best ragtime guitarist Britain has ever produced. What a shame there is not MUCH more of his material available on YouTube !!!
About time Mr John James made use of youtube. Probably the best fingerstyle guitarist of his generation. Saw him at a folk club in Bridgend......should have been on at the Albert Hall!....... Was kind enough to message me about my ropey version of Morning Brings the Light. .... Hey, John, why not upload a 2009 edition..... It's still a great song. Keep posting
Gorgeous. Glorious. Wonderful little sampler package. What a guitar player -- and what a lovely man, too. Thank you so much for posting this. Now I can show people what I've been raving about for so long...
First saw John at Warwick Uni. many years ago, and subsequently helped him
to arrange and stage gigs for him in Manchester, and North Wales. One of the most versatile , gifted and talented
guitarists it has been my privilege to know.His stage shows are 'peppered' with some hilarious self-parodies of the 'folk scene', and his dry humour is such, that you usually 'get' the gags, a day
or two after the concert. A superb showman, and a legendary 'master' of the
At Last! One of my favourite guitarists. He's been out of the scene for way too long. Saw him in 70s a few times - unforgettable. Simply a truly great player. Welcome back. Thanks Carl.
@SBOReeves ..... how have you entitled your uploads. Let's have some clues ! Can't find 'em so far. Cheers !
saxonfield3 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
John I dont know if you read this but your my dad's cousin (Brian g. James) amazing what you can find on YouTube :-) Loving the music :-) x
minimayhen88 1 month ago
Thanks for posting this - I'm a big fan of John's and have seen him play live in a small folk club in Wales. An absolute treat, both the concert and also meeting him.
I've posted a few videos of his here on YouTube - take a look if you like.
Cheers!
SBOReeves 2 months ago
Hi John ! (in the hope that, as posted, you still check these comments). The promoter referred to was one Dave Walsh. There's an old b/w photo of him meeting you off the train at Wiesbaden. Just google - "John James wird auf dem Wiesbadener Bahnhof von Dave Walsh abgeholt" and then click on "nostalgie". It's actually quite a good photo .....
All the best, Phil
saxonfield3 7 months ago
OH...MY...GOD!!! I knew this guy....but apparently didn't know him at all...if that makes sense. :O I can't believe I found this! He is really funny and a nice guy and soooo laid back, lol. I will say no more. John, if you read this, this just makes you even more cool than I thought you were anyway. That's a real talent you've got there...... :-/ !
Elise :D
unbelonging1 8 months ago
For those interested in reading about the end of that tour of Davy's, take a look at my comment on YouTube - Davy Graham - Sita Ram ....
saxonfield3 9 months ago
.. still pulling out all his stops in such spectacular fashion. Wizz Jones was also a visitor at the same venue, around the same period. I recall that he played a blinding set which included a number or two from the illustrious Dan Hicks. Both gigs were arranged by a small time promoter whom we all knew as, Dave "The Mancunian", another ex-pat like ourselves, who was also later responsible for organising a tour of Germany and Belgium for Davy Graham who played some gigs in Wiesbaden and Mainz.
saxonfield3 9 months ago
I remember seeing John play ( the only occasion, sadly, on which I ever saw him) in a little bar, Das Domizil, in Wiesbaden, Germany, back in the autumn of 1977. It was a very enjoyable and memorable night. He was joined on the small stage for a couple of numbers by a young English jazz fiddle player whose name I can no longer recall. Together they worked their magic on an appreciative crowd of locals and ex-pat Brits, amongst whom I was numbered at the time. It's great to see that John is ..
saxonfield3 9 months ago
The brilliant John James has agreed to put on a show at Rugby Cultural Festival in July this year (2011) - tickets and details available by phoning 01788 535020 or emailing soundsmusic@hotmail.com.
Looking forward to an inspiring night.
andypsmith1 1 year ago
Simply wonderful!
dukeLington 1 year ago
I don't know why I never heard John before! He is so terrific & talented! Gosh, tell his management or promo folks to wake up. He should be booked solid & very well known.
Patsea111 1 year ago
Hey John - Chris Gilbey here - if you are checking comments, love to catch up with you again after all these years... I live in Australia. Come visit... You can find me on line...
Perceptric 1 year ago
Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing this.
:)
Where's he gigging ~ gotta getta tikkit!
TheSusiesox 1 year ago
A wonderful compilation... discovering it made my Sunday (which wasn't going badly before, I hasten to add!)! I remember first seeing John in about 1973 at the long gone Anvil Folk Club in the Blacksmiths Arms, Southampton. He must have been very young... but so were many of us, aspiring ragtime guitarists. Good to see you looking so good and sounding truly fantastic. Thanks John and very best wishes from the Isle of Wight... or a bit of it anyway!
submarinerlv 1 year ago
Bloody ridiculous that this guy is not gigging every day of the year. Genius.
Even in 1968, all the big name guitarists hid in the shadows and watched to try to learn how to do it right.
Just seen old Elvis Costello interview where he raves about John. "Tremendous guitar player. I always wanted to play like that, but I could never get the co-ordination together."
TheHangingLamp 1 year ago
Nice ! I discovered John James in 1972 on a compilation "Acoustic Garden" published by "Transatlantic record. I remember listening to "Picture Rag" hundreds of times to try to understand the principle! Even today, "Picture Rag" remains a mystery. It is so beautiful that I'd rather not know how it's played ... I consoled myself by learning version of "Original Rag" by John James.
Bigerjoel 1 year ago
mike fae bonar. he is just fantastic
mikefaebonar 1 year ago
mike fae bonar. he is just fantastic
mikefaebonar 1 year ago
Having scoured the web for news of John I was delighted to find this lovely montage. Especially so I could show my young kids, big fans of Head in the Clouds (what a sublime record!) and Acoustica Electrica. Last time I saw John at a gig in about 1985, he told me HITC had become a rarity. My worn-out LP still sounds warmer and brighter than the CD re-release I picked up recently. Iechyd dda and very best wishes to you John, from one of those who did travel far to hear you back in the 1970s.
ZiziAllaire 1 year ago
Mike fae bonar.I think he is the best guitarists I have ever seen. He was at the Ullapool guitar festival last year and I missed it. Hope he is touring this year.
mikefaebonar 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Mike fae bonar.I think he is the best guitarists I have ever seen. He was at the Ullapool guitar festival last year and I missed it. Hope he is touring this year.
mikefaebonar 1 year ago
Comment removed
ZiziAllaire 1 year ago
Wonderful. Please upload more John James. I would travel a long way to see him perform live, so if anyone hears of a forthcoming event, don't be shy about telling us.
ClockwiseData 1 year ago
@ClockwiseData
The Islwyn Acoustic Guitar Club is delighted to announce that the legendary Welsh acoustic guitarist John James will be making a rare live appearing in concert at the Jubilee Bar and Events Room, at Wattsville on Friday 17th September 2010.
Whitefinger66 1 year ago
@Whitefinger66
Got my tickets already -- thanks :-)
ClockwiseData 1 year ago
The John James concert was superb and I would say that he has improved over the years and his singing and playing are better than ever. Tunes included Picture Rag and Anji. John lives in deepest Wales and says he wants to do more performances -- but he doesn't seem to want people to contact him. He has CD's for sale... but where can you buy them? I tried hard to persuade him to set up a website, and he says he is working on this. Meanwhile.... he does read these comments on YouTube.
fly00vagabond 1 year ago
Superb.
Thorsson64 2 years ago
John James had been the best there is for more years than he cares to remember. I miss not seeing him perform live any more - but great to see he's not lost any of his blistering ability - in fact, he's better than ever. Thanks, Carl, for the heads up to this video!
ProfScratchy 2 years ago
Isn't this why we all pick up the guitar in the first place ?? Thanks for a great posting.
derek6107 2 years ago
John is a great guy and a superb guitarist - in my opinion the best ragtime guitarist Britain has ever produced. What a shame there is not MUCH more of his material available on YouTube !!!
Anyone know how he is these days ?? Well I hope.
Steve
SteveMcBill 2 years ago
About time Mr John James made use of youtube. Probably the best fingerstyle guitarist of his generation. Saw him at a folk club in Bridgend......should have been on at the Albert Hall!....... Was kind enough to message me about my ropey version of Morning Brings the Light. .... Hey, John, why not upload a 2009 edition..... It's still a great song. Keep posting
autoskills 2 years ago
Comment removed
suzycreamchez123 2 years ago
Wonderful! What a find! My hero! John forever!
jackwidful 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this. Great fun. Great music.
glasgowmusic 2 years ago
Gorgeous. Glorious. Wonderful little sampler package. What a guitar player -- and what a lovely man, too. Thank you so much for posting this. Now I can show people what I've been raving about for so long...
myyellowwellies 2 years ago
Lovely stuff!!
What a total legend - I'd love to see him live
Thanks for posting and please post more!!!
:)
uchoober 2 years ago
Brilliant. Many thanks. Must go and get all my John James recordings out and have a listen.
1fretter 2 years ago
First saw John at Warwick Uni. many years ago, and subsequently helped him
to arrange and stage gigs for him in Manchester, and North Wales. One of the most versatile , gifted and talented
guitarists it has been my privilege to know.His stage shows are 'peppered' with some hilarious self-parodies of the 'folk scene', and his dry humour is such, that you usually 'get' the gags, a day
or two after the concert. A superb showman, and a legendary 'master' of the
guitar...........!!!!
JOJO3402 2 years ago
tnx!!
for everything!
giorgiopicker 2 years ago
At Last! One of my favourite guitarists. He's been out of the scene for way too long. Saw him in 70s a few times - unforgettable. Simply a truly great player. Welcome back. Thanks Carl.
Yeractualpatience 2 years ago
Finally, JJ on Youtube...loved every second and hope to see more!
daddystovepipe 2 years ago