James N. Thompson

James Thompson has played Progressive Rock, Jazz, Jam Band Funk, Bluegrass, Soul, R&B and even roots rock & country. His 2015 self titled album “James Thompson” reflects his experience in these genres/styles while staying rooted in good songwriting, soulful singing, heartfelt stories and accomplished musicianship. A collection of songs written between 1999-2015, the album could be described as having both a nostalgic vibe (stories & tonalities/grooves) and also a timeless quality (production or arrangements do not hold tight to a particular trend/fad or even genre).

James was raised on Van Morrison and (Jimi Hendrix) Band Gypsies, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley, Miles Davis and Black Sabbath… throw in a bit of Leonard Cohen meets Grandmaster Flash in a Austin Texas jam session… his music is a mixed bag… yet somehow the defined sound of an individual. An individual that is primarily a singer songwriter with a very serious passion for guitar, unapologetic creativity and a flare for improvisation.

The album is mostly upbeat with several introspective pieces and features several duets with Angel Wingo on songs like “What We’ve Got”, a nod of the cap to Motown and “Something so Real” a soulful ballad that hints at Bob Marley mixed with Phila. blue eyed soul.

Earlier in his musical career James’ technically oriented guitar playing and thoughtful song writing received international exposure in the rock genre with his group formerly titled Alter Ego. James was the leading force in producing a studio and live sound that took the band throughout New England & New York City and eventually found them a release on Big Noise Records and a three Album deal in Germany. The group was featured in Livewire Magazine (US) and Heavy Oder Was Magazine (Germany) as well as fan ‘zines all over the world.

James has performed with Soul-Therapy, BlueSoul7, Steve Dunn, Jack Christensen, The Jerks and other Tri-State area groups from 1999 to the present. When he is not producing other artists at Zen Point Media Studio he loves to get out and “gig” and is looking forward to promoting the new album in 2015-2016.