LINER & Program NOTES WRITING
James is a frequent writer of liner notes and program notes for a variety of recordings and concert series.
Some people think of liner notes for recordings as a thing of the past but I see them as an essential element for certain kinds of projects. I strive to write notes that have a deep understanding of the music and the intent of the artist(s) behind the music, and my perspective as a fellow musician, scholar/researcher/educator, and record label owner, enables me to create notes that are both descriptive for listeners and helpful to the project’s success in relationship to the press. There is no genre I’m not interested in writing about and I’m happy to work with labels or individual artists on projects large or small, physical or digital. I’m always willing to work with people to match their budgets. Please take a look at samples of my liner note writing below and be in touch about your project. I’d love to work with you!
WORK SAMPLES
James is the program note writer for Philharmonia Northwest. Read his notes HERE. Sample of other albums and projects below.
Program notes for Peter Kenagy’s Stuart Little Suite for Piano, performed by Carmen Staaf
Tim Daisy and Fred Lonberg-Holm, 2023 on Relay Records. Read a great review and shout out for James’ notes at Dusted Magazine.
Chicago drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Sowa’s debut record: Cedar Lake Recordings Volume 1. Listen and read James’ liner notes at Erik’s Bandcamp Site.
Seattle pianist Marina Albero’s 2019 album “A Life Soundtrack #2: Agua”, which was awarded album of the year by Earshot Jazz. Click on the image to read James’ liner notes and visit Marina’s Bandcamp site to purchase the record.
Keefe Jackson and Jason Adasiewicz: Rows and Rows, on Delmark Records. Click on the image to read James’ liner notes to this great document of 2 of Chicago’s best improvisers.