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Spotlight on Local Music: JEREMY JAMES “Such Noble Men.”

Capital Region singer-songwriter Jeremy James’s five-song EP serves up an assured fistful of heartfelt songs with both a personal and political bent. The strongest track, “Sunset,” showcases James’ vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar as he tackles the topic of gay marriage. He sings at one point: “There’s no such thing as normalcy. It’s not the law that makes a family but the way that I melt when you look at me.” Another song of note is the gun-control anthem “With All Due Respect to Mister Heston.” The EP was recorded by Jason Bourdeau and mastered by Scott Apicelli at Blue Sky Music Studios in Delmar, where James was joined by Katy Westfall on bass, Scott Apicelli (Hair of the Dog) on drums, Donna Baird (Scientific Maps and Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned) on trumpet, and longtime collaborator Joely Schwenk (Jesse’s Girl and Stretch) on backing vocals and percussion. To buy the CD, check out http://jeremyjamesmusic.com.

--Michael Janairo, Times Union (October 29, 2009)

Preview:  Jeremy James at Flavour Cafe

Raised in Arkansas, singer-songwriter Jeremy James found his way to Albany, where he now makes his home and music.  His latest release, "Such Noble Men," was recorded at Blue Sky Studios in Delmar, and features James on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Katy Westfall on bass, Scott Apicelli on drums, Donna Baird on trumpet and Joely Schwenk on vocals.  James sings in a nasal tone, and he is mad about many things, including Indian rights in "Indian Giver," gun rights in "With All Due Respect to Mister Heston," and the religious right with "Good Christians."  James has a lot to say, and is not afraid to say it, which was how folk music got started many decades ago.  Folks are now too worried about their careers to say anything strong or against the grain, and no one will rock the boat, but James has no problem speaking his mind.

--David Malachowski, Times Union (June 24, 2010)