Emerald Shores

James B McCarthy

On Emerald Shores, fourteen beautiful Irish songs are performed with deeply felt singing and thoughtful acoustic guitar accompaniment.

I recorded this album because love the songs . Each of them absorbs us as singers and listeners into their melodic flow and lyric creativity. Many of them drive a passionate point home with rhythmic drive. This

On Emerald Shores, fourteen beautiful Irish songs are performed with deeply felt singing and thoughtful acoustic guitar accompaniment.

I recorded this album because love the songs . Each of them absorbs us as singers and listeners into their melodic flow and lyric creativity. Many of them drive a passionate point home with rhythmic drive. This record was recorded simply so that the songs stand out, in the tradition of the great folk recordings of Pete Seeger, Eric Andersen, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and others. Harvested from listening to the great singers such as Christy Moore, Dolores Keane, Paul Brady, Tommy Makem and Linda Thompson, they bear fruit when unadorned. To quote my friend, the great Derek Warfield: “irish songs are the true monument of the Irish people”. It is so true. Thank you, Derek. If you like what you hear here, please look for my other titles and bookings at James B McCarthy. Other titles include: Nows the new Later, Flyin’ Singin’, Doolin Rakes, Spring Rain. Have a dram and breathe in these tunes. Enjoy

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Nows the New Later

James McCarthy

A songwriter who spans styles. Each song is its own world and story and finds its roots then sprouts wings. Folk, Americana, Celtic, jazzy songs for vocal flights deep tunes, goofy tunes.. A voice strong yet soothing. Both traditional and contemporary.

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Flyin' Singin'

James McCarthy

Songs that have roots (feels like home) and wings (feels like liftoff) is the motto here - craft them well then let it fly: folk, jazzy, rock, present and powerful.

Each inspiration calls for its own form, its own setting. I write the music so it fits the words and find the words to fit the harmonic or melodic inspiration. Then play and play and

Songs that have roots (feels like home) and wings (feels like liftoff) is the motto here - craft them well then let it fly: folk, jazzy, rock, present and powerful.

Each inspiration calls for its own form, its own setting. I write the music so it fits the words and find the words to fit the harmonic or melodic inspiration. Then play and play and play as the song finds its feet then its wings and lifts off into the air of the ears. The songs span a gamut in other words, no apologies. But at heart I am a folk player with an improvisational sensibility. I play a Custom Martin OM-28 who redesigned the bracing and had Martin make a limited number. I have had it since 1990. i studied voice with Frank Baker of Bennington College, a true genius of musical insight. I play at museums, in bars, for kids parties and for large street shows. I enjoy all kinds of music but especially the vocal athleticism of early Van Morrison, the unerring gritty wildness of everyone on the Harry Smith collection and the architectural grandeur of Brahm's Requiem. Writing about music is like dancing about architecture. You can do it but its still writing. Please listen. And thanks for doing so.

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Wild Wind

Doolin Rakes

This tune exemplifies Doolin Rakes style with the heartfelt intimacy of folk, the vocal intensity of gospel and the driving power of an original rock ballad.

This tune was recorded live in Honolulu. It was featured on Hawaii 5-0 on Season Four, Episode Four. Originally conceived as a Mountain Gospel acapella tune it evolved into its current form

This tune exemplifies Doolin Rakes style with the heartfelt intimacy of folk, the vocal intensity of gospel and the driving power of an original rock ballad.

This tune was recorded live in Honolulu. It was featured on Hawaii 5-0 on Season Four, Episode Four. Originally conceived as a Mountain Gospel acapella tune it evolved into its current form through the great musicianship of band members Lesley Kline, Geoff Red, Steve Howells and Jamie Winpenny. Vocals and song by James McCarthy.

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James B. McCarthy

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Kelley O'Neils, 311 Lewers Street, Honolulu HI

It's great to play here for the homies and the visitors who have either heard about what a fun place Kelley's is , or have happily discovered it on their own. The music runs from irish rebel songs to classic soul to acoustic rock, blues to.... you name it. Literally -you name it- (almost) always willing to do your requests even if I only vaguely know a tune. Love doing this gig, love this staff.

James B. McCarthy

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Proof Social Club, 1154 Fort Street Mall #10, Honoluu 96813

This really is like being at home for me. Roots runs deep with the Proof crew and the regulars. It's the kind of environment where I feel encouraged , even expected, to do the unexpected. Come with open ears and ready to engage. Just like the website says, "I want to be the musician who makes your day a bit better."

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