JAMES BENNETT
JAMES BENNETT
The latest Dark Alley Session features James Bennett, an independent solo artist and multi instrumentalist from Newcastle.
James performs three songs, warming up with “Time Will Come”, taken from his 2019 album “This Time Tomorrow”, that gets us out of our own heads and into our hearts and highlights his palpable skill on a “Weissenborn” (Hawaiian Slide Guitar).
Following up with a cover of the Dave Van Ronk’s 1963 folk track “Hang me, Oh Hang Me”, a track that inspired the movie “Inside Llewyn Davis”. It's great, go watch it!
To conclude the session, “Hard To Please”, a track James wrote after the new album was actually completed. Maybe it’s a late contender for the album, or a single to come after the album release. We’ll see! Whatever it turns into, this song will strongly connect with audiences.
0:10 Time Will Come - This Time Tomorrow LP, 2019
6:00 Hang Me, Oh Hang Me - Dave Van Ronk, 1963 (Cover)
10:15 Hard To Please - Unreleased James Bennett track, 2020
James has found his groove, possessing an effortless charisma and musicianship that transcends to his song writing through expansive and textural layers that makes feel like there is a glimmer of hope in these seemingly crazy times. James is a a self-taught guitarist, articulate lyricist with a voice of rough velvet, it's no surprise or coincidence that this boy who grew up off the grid listened to the uninterrupted dreamy folk magic of Bob Dylan.
James has been touring the release of the first single from his fourth album, “Life & Life Only”, which is due to be released at the end of June, with two more single offerings in the wings before then.
We were lucky to catch James Bennett during this whirlwind leg of this NSW tour after making pit-stop in Port Macquarie to play a few songs for us, while on a pilgrimage home to Newcastle following a gig in South West Rocks.
Speaking of albums, his second album was recorded in Hollywood California with producer/engineer Scott Campbell who has worked on many top selling albums such as ‘Jagged Little Pill’ by Alanis Morissette, ‘Return of Saturn’ by No Doubt & many more.
The third album was recorded in New Zealand with Ex ‘John Butler Trio’ Drummer/ percussionist ‘Michael Barker’ & features harmonies by popular Australian singer Wendy Matthews.
Over the years James has warmed up the stage for much loved Aussie artists such as Diesel, Jeff Lang, The Whitlams, Wendy Matthews, Ian Moss, The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda Bull, Mental As Anything, Rick Price & Dan Sultan. This impressive list also extends to some well know international artists like Newton Faulkner (UK) & Canned Heat (USA).
Enjoy!
Audio - Josh Thompson
Video - Brad Collins
Proudly sponsored by Port Macquarie Hastings Council
https://portmacquarieinfo.com.au/
Dark Alley Sessions
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James Bennett
jamesbennettbookings@gmail.com
https://www.jamesbennettmusic.com
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Dark Alley bookings and interviews, please contact darkalleysessions@gmail.com