James has been heavily influenced by the music icons of the 60's, singer/songwriters like The Beatles, James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel . He writes in various genres and styles from rockabilly, blues, gospel, country , folk and classic rock n roll. This collection of songs is primarily in a singer/songwriter vibe. The themes that run through the songs range from finding true love to love lost....ultimately, faith and hope. The songs are filled with acoustic guitars, harmonica, a few keyboards and plenty of vocals and harmonies. James plays all the instruments with the exception of a beautiful string arrangement by renown New York composer and musician, Lev Zhurbin. Jim's friend, Pat Smith plays the lovely accordion on Hope Sweet Hope. James began playing guitar after seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964. In 1973, James became a born-again Christian and began playing and singing in contemporary Christian rock bands, playing in churches, festivals, and concerts in Texas and California. He also wrote many worship songs and was part of worship teams in several churches. He released a Christian album of original songs in 1999 with his talented family, called Four Shepard's And A Lamb and a Beatles tribute cd in 2005 called From Me To You. For the past ten years he has been marketing original songs and covers for television and film productions. He has had many songs placed in t.v. shows around the globe, a blues original in the award winning feature film, "Angel Camouflaged" starring James Brolin, an original song in the feature documentary, Taylor's Gift and a Beatles cover in a Toyota commercial.