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Source - Solo Project
Hilltop Ceilidh Band
Foot Down
Listen and Support
About James
From Kent, and an established member of the modern English folk scene, James Kerry is well known for his passionate, rhythmic playing rooted in folk dance tradition. Having began his musical journey at a young age, fuelled by a local legend, he quickly progressed and has since played extensively in the Morris and ceilidh circuits and performed with many bands and groups including Foot Down, and the Hilltop Ceilidh Band, both of which he is a founding member of.
Since beginning his musical career James has been lucky enough to perform, and teach at many venues and festivals throughout the UK and further afield. Highlights in recent years include overseeing the youth band sessions and outreach at Broadstairs Folk Week, performing 2 tours of Spain including gigs at the Playing for Change festival in Ibiza and working with and playing alongside many of his idols.
Tributaries- Shipping now!
Tributaries is our second studio album, a follow-up to Source. This one draws from all sorts of places — old tunes I’ve loved for years, new ones I’ve written along the way, and everything in between. Some are wild and full of energy, others quieter and more reflective, but all of them are rooted in the folk tradition that continues to inspire me.
This album is dedicated to the memory of Ken Bryant and Barry Laing, both of which had a massive influence on my life and musical journey.
Whilst the reason for having more time was unfortunate, the Covid-19 pandemic gave room for James to explore his own playing, to write and to arrange. This initiated a creative burst leading to the birth of his debut solo project – Source. Inspired by a love of rivers and his recent move onto a boat, nature and the countryside, the name relates to the beginning, the source of river, the beginning of James’ solo career. This theme has now been continued with the latest James Kerry Trio album, Tributaries.
Both albums are a true representation of James’ style and passions and reflects his huge respect for traditional music and his desire to pass it on. Consisting of both traditional English tunes, original pieces written by both James, and Tom Kitching as well as a few contemporary tunes.
All of the trios material is arranged and performed by James (melodeon) alongside some of his friends and favourite musicians – Tom Kitching (fiddle and mandolin) and Danny Tonks (guitar).
Order both albums here!
Source also featured arrangements and performances by James Delarre (fiddle, viola and mandolin), Tributaries also featured two tracks with Andrew McGuinness (Percussion).