James VanBuren
Thanks to artists like James Van Buren, blues and jazz are alive and well. Since 1956 when James formed the “Blues Kings” to play the type of music that he loved listening to as a child, James has created an unforgettable style and sound.
James has played with such legends as T. Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Lou Rawls and later participated in group and duet performances with talents such as Irene Reid, Good Rockin’ Brown, Pat Methany and John Harris.
In 1985, James formed his own label and launched his debut album “We Will be Together Again”. His second album, “It’s all Over” earned James national recognition with the album making the Top 20 list on NPR. His third album, “I Ain’t Doin’ Too Bad” took James to higher levels of recognition with the song “Three Handed Woman” being one of James’ top selling songs.
Several albums have followed each as enjoyable and diverse as the last. Fans from around the world know that James’ music always reflects feelings from his heart and sounds from his soul.
As Phil Upchurch put it, “James is as original in his song as Joe Williams or Billie Holiday. The other thing I like about his style is that you can hear him smiling”.
Fans from James’ home state of Colorado, have adopted “James’ Baseball Song” as the anthem for their Colorado Rockies baseball team. Since 1996, this song has been
chorused by hundreds of fans and has been
released as a popular single.
There is no doubt that we will be enjoying a lot more music from this unique artist. He is a tireless supporter of Jazz in his community, giving generously of his time to support growth of the arts. His warm, open personality contributes to his ability to draw strong crowds, a loyal following and make new friends wherever he goes.
James VanBuren
Blues/jazz guitarist Phil Upchurch hit the nail on the head when he compared vocalist James Van Buren's interpretation skills to those of Joe Williams and Billie Holiday. Even better, Upchurch's "you can hear him smiling" captures the vocalist's warm sound, a sound that's had artists like Lou Rawls, T-Bone Walker, and Irene Reid seek out Van Buren for collaborations. Born in Arrow Rock, Missouri, Van Buren started sharing his love of blues and jazz with the public in 1956 when he formed the Blues Kings in Kansas City. He was amused when a European reporter called him an "archeological find" in the '90s, since he had been a hard touring, popping-up-here-and-there sideman (often as a drummer) since starting the Blues Kings. Colorado jazz and blues fans got to know him well when he made Denver his new home but everyone else didn't get to hear much of the man until 1985 when Van Buren formed his own label and released his debut, We Will Be Together Again. It's All Over followed and made NPR's Top 20 list, but it was 1989's I Ain't Doin' Too Bad and its "Three Handed Woman" (left-handed, right-handed, underhanded) that took the singer to the next level. Fans at the 1992 Utrecht Jazz Festival in Holland caused a commotion when they vigorously chanted for the song, and Van Buren has been successful on the European tour circuit ever since. From 1996 on, the Colorado Rockies baseball team have used Van Buren's "James' Baseball Song" as their anthem. In 2004 he released Live at the Kasbah with special guest Richie Cole.
James Van Buren is a veteran singer in the mold of Eddie Jefferson, with a raspy voice that swings whether he's performing bop, swing, or ballads. This 2004 live set recorded at the Kasbah finds him in great form, backed by pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist Mark Diamond, and drummer Paul Romaine, with special guest Richie Cole added on alto sax. What's particularly enjoyable about this nightclub set is that Van Buren has a knack for doing standards that have fallen out of favor, particularly "Saturday Night," "All the Way," and "That Old Black Magic," the latter played with a brisk bossa nova rhythm. His touching performance of Benny Carter's lovely ballad "I Was Wrong" (originally written for Joe Williams) and the swinging take of "Christopher Columbus" are also among the CD's highlights. Cole's solos add just the right touch of spice. If there's anything disappointing about this release, it is the cardboard packaging (similar to the one used by Neil Young for his Harvest LP), which is destined to wear out prematurely. But the great music within the package makes it worth purchasing and handling with care. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide