Keith James

An entirely Independent Musician

One of this country’s most loved and respected Concert Performers

‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent

‘There is a delicious soulfulness going on here’ Colin Hall

‘not to be missed’ Mark Radcliffe

‘Brave enough to play the music he truly believes in’  Bob Harris

‘Keith James is one of the UK’s most valuable Singer-Songwriters’ Maverick

‘Keith has a high keen sense of holistic overview applied to high concept projects, which also exists in his performance’ Nigel Schofield

Hi Keith, I'm the chap who recently bought ten of your CDs (which I'm very much enjoying working my way through) in Barnard Castle. You may recall we had a brief conversation about the lyrics to Suzanne, since when I've been thinking about them quite a lot. I think I understand why the second verse is where it is, though as I mentioned there is at least one recorded concert (Manchester, 30 Nov 2008, the final night of the fall 2008 tour - on the Songs from the Road album; the notes describe it as a 'classic performance' with 'a special timeless beauty all of its own') in which Leonard swapped the order of verses 2 and 3. He presumably had a reason for doing this, though I have no idea what that might have been! I've long been very fond of Suzanne, and it was a pleasure listening to your version which I thought was superb. I have spent much time over the years pondering the lyrics. In my professional life I am an archaeologist, and my main passion is attempting to interpret Neolithic rock art. This is an enjoyable though ultimately impossible task, just like trying to interpret Leonard's lyrics!

 Have you ever performed The Gypsy's Wife? I think you'd do it beautifully. 

 I will keep an eye on future concert dates and very much hope to see you again sometime soon. I see you are back in Durham on 14 Nov but I will be abroad so sadly will have to miss that one. Thanks again for a great night in Barny. Paul Frodsham

Hi Keith - Mum said she came to see you at The Theatre last night and you were absolutely brilliant and loved every minute of it. Jane Williams - Brecon

Lovely Autumnal drive up to Hay on Wye for 2nd visit to see Keith James @The Globe at Hay This time a celebration of his 50 years as an independent musician. We have seen him several times in a variety of intimate, interesting venues. Sensitivity and humanity is very much needed right now and shines out from his own songs and his personal, intimate versions of songs by songwriters from the late 70s including Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. Thank you very much Keith for a very special evening. We could not have enjoyed more. Sheila Jones

Such a beautiful venue and you are blessed with such a soothing and calm voice! Thank you for such a lovely evening. Absolutely loved it! The Globe, Hay on Wye

Hi Keith, we both thoroughly enjoyed your concert at The Globe! You kept us on our toes and interested throughout, and we found the whole experience so soothing. We love the sound of a Songs of Nick Drake concert. However, the Globe really is the best place for us to see you. And you can guarantee us being in the audience (as long as it's a Friday or Sat) for a concert of Nick Drake songs. So if you're planning on one, we'd love to hear! Take care, very best, Debra

We enjoyed your show in august at the Torch Theatre ,good luck from us both. Bruce Campbell

It was a beautiful concert on Saturday night, thank you. We are looking forward to seeing you again in Bath in January. Love from Boni and Paul xx

Enjoyed your gig in Sunderland on Friday Keith. Was good to meet you. Stephen Musgrove

If anyone has the chance to go and see Keith James perform , … what a humble and talented musician.. playing the music of Cat Stevens and much more … Alyson Horton - Torch Theatre

Just arrived home after a most enjoyable concert at the Stoller Hall. Thank you!  Your interpretation and delivery of this great poets music is superb. Gidon Stemmer

Just back from your gig at riverfront Newport. Wow a truly amazing performance, truly spectacular thank you Shez Jones-Saunders

Just asked Alexa to play Keith James on my Echo Show 5. Like having a private personal concert in my kitchen. Leslie Clive Bedford

Strongly recommend Keith James. He is an excellent guitarist and singer and evokes the spirit of Nick. Usually has at least 4 or 5 guitars on the stage tuned to Nick’s different variations to save time!  Martin Jackson

Really loved your performance in Falmouth. Thanks Sid Platt

Keith is a great musician who treats the music in his performances with great respect. I recommend his live performances to anyone who gets the chance. Ian Walker

Hi Keith, congratulations for yesterday evening in Kirkby Stephen. Absolutely cracking evening and we are all looking forward to your gig with us next February. Ken Dunn

Really nice guy, love how he describes how nick played Anthony Kiely

My friend and I so enjoyed your concert at The Acorn last night and it was lovely to have a chat afterwards. Good luck with the rest of the tour and the fundraising. Acorn Theatre

 Lovely concert in Calstock last night.

 I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday evening at the Falmouth Poly. Thank you! May the rest of your visit to Cornwall go well. Falmouth Poly Arts Centre

You are such a sensitive and generous performer. I love all the backstories and insight into the songs. Oh and your song, …was it…‘Something I thought I understood’ gripping! I know how that feels. See you again next year Sue Landbridge, Flavel Arts Centre

If you visit the UK try and factor in an evening listening to my good friend Keith James who plays Nick's music beautifully. Maybe you have already.. Robert Binney

Thank you Keith, for your fabulous performance tonight at Kingshill House, Dursley. Looking forward to your next visit :-)

Would love to see this. I used to live very near Greystones road in late 70s. Unfortunately I’m a bit further away now (Sydney!) so won’t make it. All the best with it. I adore the music of Nick Drake. Hats off to you performing it live. I would imagine it’s quite challenging with all the tunings? Do you have about 6 guitars!.?. Dave

Solid Air… comments..

Spot on! Great job Keith! James Ransom

Lovely version. Went to see Dom Martin last night here at Chapel Arts. Played Easy Blues. Spent time with Martyn in Ireland. Robert Binney

I've covered this number for 30 years. Your version is very, very good. Nick Ellis

Fabulous!!! Mike Beeton

Solid Air. Keith.. ‘channelling pure John M. Wow! Still one of my most loved writers exactly as he was in mid 1970’s .. Angie Elis Webster

I have been reading some William Blake after a brilliant concert by Keith James last week. It reminded me of a conversation I had about the meaning behind the lyrics of Fly by Nick Drake. Emily Simmonds

Thanks for the great concert at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington this evening. Beautiful music in a beautiful venue! Guy Hart

Hi Keith, firstly, I wanted to say thank you for such a lovely concert this evening, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good luck with your forthcoming dates and hope to see you again at Landmark Arts Centre. Kind regards Jim

Thank you for the 5-time explanation, as I’ve always wondered how two such different artists blended so well and thank you for the concert which we really enjoyed and brought back some happy memories. Best wishes  Marilyn

Lovely version of Solid Air. i went to see Dom Martin last night here at Chapel Arts. Played Easy Blues. Spent time with Martyn in Ireland. Robert Ian Binney

That was Lush! Keith is such a brilliant performer, storyteller, and just an all round charismatic genius. Pontardawe Arts Centre

Hi there Keith, Here is the Oxford venue I mentioned at St Swithun’s. No doubt we will see you soon. Sam

Lovely Concert! Amazing guitarist Keith James, playing beautiful Nick Drake songs at Landmark Arts Centre  Camilla Chandler

Wonderful evening at the Kitchen Garden Café. Thank you Paul Etchells

A wonderful concert this afternoon at Lowther Pavilion. The warmth, tenderness and sincerity of the delivery of Cohens words by Keith James was superb. The audience’s appreciation and participation transported many to their own memories of Cohen. Thank you Dee Webb

Saw you at the gatehouse Stafford . First concert I’ve ever attended on my own . But I came alone as really wanted to see you play… It did not disappoint. It was an emotional rollercoaster; Playing those albums as a teenager. You saved the best until last How can I tell you always makes me cry . Thank you for a wonderful evening and the hug xx Sue Wyke

Hi Keith, loved your gig last night at the Chapel Arts Centre. Please add me to your mailing list and look forward to seeing you again playing your original material. All the best Ian Curen

Thanks for a beautiful concert in Halifax last night, Keith! Next time, please will you play Nick's "Time has told me"? Your guitar playing was amazing, as ever. All the best! Rhona Davidson

Thank you for a fantastic evening in Otley. Most uplifting in these times.

Saw you in Pocklington and I was enthralled! Keep on keepin' on! Richard

Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many, we love you and your music. Love from Mary Milton, Spring Arts Centre, Havant

Hi Keith! Just been to see you at The Dixon, Southend (front row with a hat on! 😊) Thank you so much for a wonderful evening of beautiful music. It was a very special evening for me and my Dad. Thank you! xx Hannah

I was in a venue in Stroud watching KJ playing Nick’s songs last night. Intimate, such great tunes. Beautiful. Kevin Harwood

Wish I lived closer, I saw Keith sing Leonard Cohen’s songs in Birmingham fairly recently. It was fantastic. Barbara Smith

Hello Keith, we’ll hope to make some of the dates.  Great ‘Best Of’ album! Tina

Hello Keith, I have just returned from your afternoon concert at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham.  I enjoyed it VERY much. Is it possible you could provide me with a set-list for the concert? and, in particular, which was the song you said you had played at every one of your 573 shows, and which was the song you said would be the saddest of the show? Thanks, and I look forward to seeing you again. Nina Wilkinson

Dear Keith, thanks for a memorable evening here in Guildford. Simple question, please can you share a “set list”, detailing what specific songs you played to us on Saturday (or else, point me to a web page where I can see the set list details for Saturday’s concert)? Thank you - and keep up the great and valued work. Tony Ford Guildford

Your version of couldn't love you more was our wedding song! 

Hi Keith, I am always pleased to see where you are playing and telling friends to come along and hear for themselves your interpretations and original songs. You're brilliant! Your talent is appreciated. John Purser - Sudbury

Fantastic event tonight in Lymm. You were brilliant. Lymm Festival

What a great evening! Great music! Thank you, Danny Pidgeon

Dear Keith, your concert in Ross, Phoenix Theatre was great we both really enjoyed it sitting in the front like a couple of groupies, thank you so much for a splendid evening. I especially enjoyed Suzanne and Goodbye Maryanne which I first heard in the sixties when I had a boutique in the KIng's Road and my manageress had brought it into the shop to play on our record Player- those were the days. I think I preferred the intimate setting of the Phoenix to Brecon cathedral where the acoustic was so good. You have such a marvellous voice wherever you sing his songs works and am glad I was able to buy CDs from you which will always be a reminder. I will watch out for when you are playing near to Ross in the meantime have a good tour. Love and much appreciation, Sue Sharp

Hi Keith, We really loved your show in Aldeburgh last night. It was an absolute pleasure to watch your respectful treatment of the work of the finest singer songwriter of my lifetime. Thank you. Please put me on your list. Roland, Aldeburgh October 4th 2023

‘Keith James’ Concert was truly memorable. My tears started as soon as he introduced the first song, and I came away thinking the human spirit will not be defeated. Currently on tour across the UK. Catch him if you can. He is such a lovely human being and so talented’ The Hay Festival

Dear Keith, We very much enjoyed your concert -  keep it live !! Kind regards, Tony and Katrina

What a great way to bring back memories of the great man, I saw John a good few times including the early 70s when he was at his prime and so full of life. Enjoyed it so much may try and catch you when you play Kinross in November. Thank you so much for posting this excellent version which is so true to the original and boy is that some task. Robert McDougall

Hello Keith, I just wanted to let you know how much Sandy and I enjoyed the show at the Ropetackle last night. We had the tickets for months and were full of anticipation in the build up to the gig. As always, we were filled with a sense of peace and calm during and after the performance. Your voice is the aural equivalent of chocolate and your musicianship, incomparable. Thank you for another wonderful experience, we look forward to seeing you when the next opportunity arises. Jerry and Sandy Martin.

‘Thank you for a fantastic concert last night at the Kenton Theatre. You sang so well and the way you told the stories about the songs and sang them so clearly made us see them in a whole new light, it was beautiful’ Henley Festival

Keith, I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to sit in the audience tonight and see and hear you perform again after so many years. Your playing is as sublime as I remembered it to be. I would love to hear your new original material. Stephen Carroll, Norden Farm Arts Centre.

‘I have seen Leonard Cohen many times; even as far back as 1970 at the Isle of Wight - I had the chance to meet him once.. If he were here tonight at Melville Arts Centre, he would be proud of you! Audience member Abergavenny

Keith James is a first class singer and musician. I have learnt a lot about Cat Stevens tonight. He keeps selling out the Crichton Central.  Alex

‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent