James Christensen
Bull Rush
© 2005 James Christensen (809780006925)
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Literate singer/songwriter rock in the adult alternative rock vein. Some tracks, like This Town, I Can't and Crawl Away and Hide are true to the sadcore style of Smog and Elliott Smith. Other tracks, are in the classic rock style of Neil Young.
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Nearly forty years ago, John Lennon sang a song called 'Working Class Hero'. In it
he lamented the ills of a repressive society, and praised the determined individuals
who endured. James Christensen, a songwriter from Massachusetts, is a young man who
has fought through many of the battles often associated with life, and his music and
message are both stronger for it. In an industry that is obsessed with the quick
fix, the pre-packaged, and the willingness to follow trends, some might say that
Christensen has already won by continuing to do what he loves. He would, however,
argue that the best is yet to come. Recent signs are certainly pointing in that
direction. This much about his story is clear: James Christensen has been tried, and
his music remains true.
While working several jobs as a young adult - including collecting trash, assembling
toys, and selling ladies' shoes - Christensen taught himself guitar by working
through chord books and studying his favorite songwriters, such as Bob Dylan, Joni
Mitchell, and Lucinda Williams. "I was in an apartment on my own with no cable or
Internet, so I spent my time practicing," Christensen says. He was deeply saddened
by the premature and tragic death of his older brother, Steve. Steve's untimely
passing deeply affected Christensen's worldview. He determined that he was going to
do something with his life that would honor his brother's legacy. His tribute to
Steve would be in the form of his music, which would also eventually become an
outlet for his feelings of anger, empathy, sadness, and joy.
Christensen, according to the Boston Globe, writes songs that exhibit a "gentle,
soothing grace." The Northeast Performer says "he fills his songs with a touch of
humor while managing to keep them still relevant to a more serious underlying
subject." Finally, Noise Magazine says, "Christensen's voice is as soothing as it is
rich." In keeping with his recorded music, his performances are earnest and
heartfelt. He has performed in several cities throughout the Northeast. His recently
released second CD, 'Bull Rush', is now receiving airplay on over 100 stations
throughout New England. This critically acclaimed release features strong lyrics in
a high-energy recording that includes several outstanding guest musicians. "It's
about working and drinking and getting through hard times as best you can," says
Christensen. Real people and settings - denizens of pubs and blue-collar bars -
figure prominently in his anthemic odes to the working class.
Christensen strongly believes in the musician's mission of writing music that
connects with listeners. He takes pride in the fact that he writes songs about "the
people you meet in the real world." He succeeds in giving those people a voice. His
songs perfectly blend the sweet and the sour, the humorous and the sad. He is
inspired by those rare occasions in life in which he sees "something true in a sea
of fake." If that which is real and true inspires James Christensen, perhaps this
new working class hero ought to glance in the mirror. For more information on James
Christensen, visit www.jamesmusic.net.