Abel James shines up his rootsy, old-school influences with a rhythmic funkiness to create his fresh sound that feels as familiar and comfy as your favorite blue jeans. His massive baritone has a genuine personality that captures the rasp and soul of his blues-infused rock as sincerely as the delicate nuances of folk and jazz. James’ poignant songwriting has been praised as “deeply moving, novel, and creative,” while his reputation as an “exceptional musician and captivating, emotive performer” attracts a loyal and expanding fan base in Austin, Texas and beyond. Abel has toured North America and Europe and is the former director of the Dartmouth Aires who recently were awarded silver on NBC’s The Sing Off.

Do you like Ray Lamontagne, G Love, Ben Harper, Stevie Wonder, or Johnny Cash? Then go see Abel James. A busy-bodied multi-instrumentalist, you’ll find him rocking out solo, duo, and full band as a vocalist, guitarist, pianist and saxophonist. Abel James shakes it up with diverse groups in the Austin scene – go catch him live.

Abel’s Story.

Lacking cable television, most forms of culture and entertainment, and, at times, electricity, Abel James and his brother spent their respective childhoods nestled in the frosty backwoods of New Hampshire jamming unrepentantly to The Meters, Stevie Ray Vaughan, James Brown, John Scofield, Bob Marley, The Clash, and Tom Waits. Abel produced his first recordings at the age of 15, a collection entitled “The Tail That Wags the Dog,” playing guitars, keys, saxophones, drums, percussion, bass, and vocals and reaching #2 on Mp3.com’s Blues charts. He has since toured North America and Europe with several groups, including as the director of the Dartmouth Aires (who were recently awarded Silver on NBC’s “The Sing Off”,) performing to sold-out crowds and winning CASA’s album of the year.

A versatile artist, Abel James produced and recorded his jazzy debut album, Notes from Berlin, in 2006, which garnered stellar reviews, received substantial airplay and has independently sold thousands of copies. Abel’s musical training from the Royal College of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Dartmouth College is evident in his inspired songwriting and musicianship.

Abel earned his B.A. in Psychological and Brain Sciences from Dartmouth College in three years, graduating as a Senior Fellow with Honors. He focused his Senior Fellowship research on the evolutionary and biological basis of the faculty of music and lectured on the effects of technological advances on business, popular music and culture. 
Abel is also a Management Consultant with Manhattan Strategy, web designer, health enthusiast, and experienced blogger. Abel James recently published a book on nutrition and fitness called The Fat-Burning Man - go check it out!

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