Nemo James - The Minstrel
The Minstrel is an album of 17 songs. Many of these are gentle ones, such as "In the Garden," which make James Taylor - an obvious artistic comparison - come off downright lively at times. James sings with a fairly formal vocal tone, while he accompanies himself with equally gentle acoustic guitar. The better songs on this full-length work are the ones that find James breaking away from his self-imposed folk music sonic restrictions. For instance, one titled "Pride" has a slightly jazzy groove and a female duet partner. Similarly, "I Wonder" has a sort of bluesy groove driving it.
Songs where James steps away from aural expectations are welcome for the listener because the performer's usual approach can sometimes lull hearers into disinterest. He writes well and sings well, but like Taylor (again), he can be calming -- to a fault.
With that said, though, James nevertheless pleaseth the king well.
Nemo James - The Minstrel
Rating:
Share this article
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
blink-182 Launching North American Stadium And Arena Tour
Watch David Gilmour's 'The Piper's Call' Video
Check Out Powerman 5000 'Dancing Like We're Dead'
The String Cheese Incident Take Fans On Epic 'Roll Around The Sun'
Watch Motley Crue's 'Dogs Of War' Video
Richie Sambora Returns With 'I Pray', The First Of Four New Songs
The Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New Guitarist
Linkin Park Top Hard Rock And Vinyl Albums Charts With Papercuts