Sunday, February 22, 2009

Tempest In A Teacup, (James Hurley) A CD Review



I love this CD! It is one of the most brilliant collections of songs I have ever heard. The songs are expertly written and performed. The production quality is amazing. The songs are gripping and mesmerizing and they envelop the listener with an almost hypnotic quality that makes one wish to play the CD again and again. The songs are thought provoking and beautiful. Mr. Hurley tells a story with each song. The lyrics are finely crafted with eloquence and masterfully combined with music to capture the imagination and touch the heart. There are a few songs that are just heart wrenching and cutting. James Hurley touches the heart and moves the soul. This album includes beautiful love songs and songs that express frustration at the futility of life at times. There are songs that are so much fun and that will get your toes to tapping. I think the order the songs come in is brilliant. This CD has something for everybody. There is every kind of influence combined to create a style that is best described as American on the rocks with a twist. James combines country, rock, blues and jazz to produce music which is truly remarkable. Tempest In A Teacup is a must have for any music Lover. I highly recommend this CD. For more information, go to http://www.jameshurleymusic.com or http://www.myspace.com/jameshurley

James Hurley Live From Kulak's Woodshed



James Hurley recently performed at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood, California as a guest on Mandi Martin’s Playhouse. James wowed the crowd with his beautiful voice and laid back style.

It was just James and his guitar. That was all he needed. James Hurley puts on a wonderful show. His songs ranged from the very tender to the fun and comical.

This versatile entertainer has something for everybody. James was born to be on a stage. His music is very entertaining. Watching James Hurley perform is like drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows. It’s just so good!

I was completely enthralled by his beautiful voice and stunning performance. Mr. Hurley is an amazing and prolific songwriter who bares his very soul in his music. I only wish his set could have been longer.

He was fun to watch and his music was very enjoyable. I could listen to James Hurley for days. His showmanship was stellar and his songs were finely crafted and very well written. I give James Hurley five stars. This entertainer is a must see for any music lover.

James Hurley, "It's About The Music"



James Hurley is a prolific songwriter with an eclectic catalogue of music which covers a spectrum of styles and textures of music. The songs all tell a story and capture the imagination

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Mr. Hurley was a child of the 1960s and counts the Beatles among his greatest musical influences. His love of music began with playing the drums like Ringo Starr. His interest in the music of the Beatles led him to the guitar.
In 1974, James quit school to become a professional Bull Rider. He was a rodeo professional until a broken hip landed him on his back and out of a job.

During this time, James renewed his interest in the guitar and while he was recuperating from his broken hip, he wrote his first song.

James always loved the greats of Country music, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn because their songs told such wonderful stories.

James Hurley weaves a tapestry of emotion and melody with every finely crafted song. His beautiful voice combined with his touching and thought provoking lyrics make James Hurley music something special.

Mr., Hurley writes a variety of song styles. He writes beautiful ballads, heart wrenching tear-jerkers and observations of the society we live in. He also writes fun and comical tunes to make us smile. James sings about everything from love and loss to Vampires and Mushrooms. James has a new CD, ”Tempest In A Teacup” which is available for purchase or digital download.

This music is refreshing and delightful. His songs are real and from his heart. James says the most important element for any song is the audience. He loves to connect with his fans and favors intimate shows in small clubs because he can get direct feedback from the listener.

James Hurley combines the best of Jazz, Folk, Pop, Rock and Blues for an amazing, Americana “on the rocks” with a twist kind of music. There is a very strong Jazz and Blues influence in the songs James writes. This may come from the music his parents loved when he was a child; Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and many more.

James was recently named one of the Top Ten Male Acoustic Singer/ Songwriters in the L.A. area by Folkworks Magazine.

Currently, James is booking and playing mayn shows. There is a headline of the James Hurley Myspace page which reads, “A guitar and an endless Highway. We can all hope that highway leads to a place nearby. This year's tours will include the northwest, the southwest, the east coast, and England. For more information on James Hurley, visit www.jameshurleymusic.com and Http://www.myspace.com/jameshurley