Tip the Artist

Artist Bio

singer songwriter guitar-player

“Drawing from a tradition of songwriters who don’t write unless they have something to say, James Clark Jones writes music that is both thought provoking and melodically enjoyable.

Even though a lot of James’ 30 years in the music industry was playing guitar in rock bands, his solo act provides beautifully pared down arrangements to give each song more weight and simplicity. Thankfully, James’ diverse musical history peeks through his performances, holding a tight grip on his audience’s attention as they continue guessing what genre will pop up next.

Fans of anyone from Gordon Lightfoot to Henry Mancini will enjoy James’ genre-bending tunes. In fact, it’s difficult to think of a style that isn’t given at least a nod in one of his songs, making James an easy artist to become a fan of.

James moved to Canada from Scotland as a child, but has always been connected to his birthplace, often using the tension between finding identity in each country as inspiration for his writing. In fact, his song “Glasgow” draws on the experience many people who immigrate share of growing up in one country, but being unable to ignore the part of you that originated elsewhere.

“In Canada, I feel Scottish and in Scotland, I feel Canadian,” explains the Glasgow born Canadian. “I always have one foot in each country.”

James has four studio albums available and is often releasing singles, keeping his fans up to date with a satisfying stream of tunes. His most recent album is titled Dispatch from Purgatory and features a blues and folk focus, leading listeners through nine tracks filled with intricate guitar riffs and insightful lyrics.

James wins over every crowd with his engaging live performances. His intricate finger picking perfectly accompanies a catalogue of songs dripping with conviction.”