James Hampton
As Reviewed in the Sunday Herald Sun**** (4/5 stars)IT's almost impossible to believe this debut album was penned, arranged and performed by local Melbourne musician James Hampton. Harder still to believe is the fact that he has not been spotted earlier, for this 10-track debut takes the listener through a fantastic musical journey of jazz, funk, pop and soul, gloriously stamped with an amazing, careless, yet intelligent sound, that can only be described as James Hampton. Comparisons can be made, and they will _ hints of Harry Connick Jr, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Elton John and Ben Folds can at varying times be heard across any number of tracks _ but Hampton's croon retains the freshness of youth that is his and his alone. After a spoken opening track, the young Box Hill Tafe music graduate kicks in with the big-band styled All My Money's Gone, setting a fast paced, feel-good vibe. But he also breaks the components of the big band for some small-unit-features, that showcase his impressive piano ability. Light hearted tales are intertwined with deeper heartfelt ballads, 'Just Be Julia' sings with young lovers angst while 'When Tomorrow Comes' is comparable to Brian Wilson's timeless classic 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times' in its themes of self-doubt and adolescent insecurity. Hampton says he is working on his next album, which is exciting because there is no reason he shouldn't explode. For now, it is a young man playing from the heart , with his upbringing and his roots deeply entrenched through the album. If you want something a little different, get it. Shannon Deery Sun Herald Sunday 25th Jan 2009 |
UK Songwriting Contest James has entered 4 songs - 3 were semi-finalists and one was a finalist. Congrats James!
Television
Hope you caught Wendy Stapleton's interview with Molly Meldrum on Wrokdown Channel 31 - the show closed with Just Be JuliaThanks to the producer Anita Monk
James on SYN 1700
Channel 31 Thanks to Barbara Penn
Radio stations
90.7FM SYN RadioLand or Sea has been featured four weeks in a row
on Yarra Valley FM 99.1
Tune into Cindy Parret Tuesdays 6am to 9am.
James has recorded an interview and live songs with Austereo.
98.1 FM Radio Eastern Thank you to Ken Boness
92.3 FM ZZZ Thank you to Eugene O’Rourke
94.1 FM 3WBC
99.9 FM Bay FM in Byron Bay Thank you to Phil Daly
Listen on line to Phil Tuesdays 11am-12noon
93.1FM SBS Radio Interview with Marlene Galea - Thanks Marlene
3mFM Gippsland Thanks Noella
Radio stations in Ireland!
Thank you to John Creedon on RTE Radio 1 Ireland for playing Got No Friends.
Reviews / Feedback
Review on Amazon
#2…excellent track, sounded great on-air ... Great work, congratulations on the sound and production. I will play a track again next week Phil Daly Bay FM Byron Bay
writes music beyond his years, but lyrics with the naivete of youth which is wonderfully refreshing. This cd has 10 tracks, all great listening, and I love 'Got no Friends', 'All my Money's Gone', and 'Just be Julia'. Anita Monk Wrok Down Channel 31