Thomas James One Man Band from Keyport, NJ

Thomas James is a blues and folk singer, songwriter, guitarist and violinist who is deeply rooted in traditional music. Extremely bluegrass and country influenced, a strong passion for blues and folk, and hints of rock. VIOLINIST - CLASSICAL AND FIDDLE/COUNTRY For More info on Thomas James please visit For song lists please contact me. For violin samples please contact me Thomas James is a talented singer, songwriter and musician with a passion for Country, Bluegrass, blues and rock and roll. New Jersey native, Thomas began his journey into the music world at age 9 while studying classical violin at the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in Red Bank, NJ. While in his early teens on a family road trip to visit the southern half of his family Thomas was introduced to country music and the recordings of Toby Keith and Alan Jackson. When he returned home he pursued the music he had fallen in love with and soon found a passion for the high lonesome sound of Bill Monroe, and the great Hank Williams. By age 14 Thomas knew he wanted to play country fiddle and had the privilege to learn from some great teachers including Gene Lowinger, one of Bill Monroe's own fiddle players and Al Eisman who has toured with many of the greats. Thomas joined a Bluegrass band and had the privilege of performing with them at Albert Music Hall in the Pine Barrens of NJ as well as other venues. Bluegrass has had a major impact on Thomas and some of the classic folk elements from this genre can be heard in his music today. Another game changer for Thomas was hearing the music of Johnny Cash. Thomas wanted to perform many of his songs and began to sing and play the guitar. It was at this point that the country music snowball began to role down the bluegrass covered hill. After singing and practicing guitar for a year Thomas stepped up to a local open mic with guitar in hand and performed his first solo performance, opening with Toby Keith's Big Dog Daddy and ending with Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues and the classic bluegrass song Will the Circle be Unbroken. Since then, Thomas has enjoyed many opportunities to perform on stage including charity and fund raising events, festivals and more. Besides playing the fiddle, singing and performing wherever he gets the chance Thomas has also written over a dozen of his own original songs, one of which he has recorded with the professional help and expertise of Absolute Music Studios in Hazlet, NJ. Take Your Love has already gained many fans and you can listen to it right here on Thomas' website. We hope you enjoy it!