Fine 

James Krueger has been called a true voice of the mountains.  Finding inspiration in his native north eastern United States and performing what he calls "new folk with roots" (guitar, mandolin, accordion, etc.), Krueger "brings heartfelt appreciation to songs that celebrate the passing of the seasons and the sound of rain on a windowsill.  But here are songs that probe beneath the surface of seemingly simple topics." (Rambles Magazine)  

A Review in the Chronogram, a US periodical, said "For the same reason we live in the [Catskill Mountains], this CD is something you'll put on and won't take off.  The music and lyrics on Fine reflect a deep, healthy connection with nature."  

Another review in Rambles, an on-line cultural arts magazine, said that "Fine is a wonderful blend of Krueger's delicate voice and a dazzling array of instruments.  The album is smooth and rich like coffee with cream.  If you want a solid musical performance that perfectly blends instruments with vocals, Fine will certainly suffice."

 

Why not visit Peter's own website at:

www.jameskrueger.com

Or

Email Peter direct at: 

james@jameskrueger.com 

History

James Krueger has been called 'one of the true voices of the Catskills', where he now makes his home in the United States.  His music, however, finds inspiration in many landscapes.  He began writing and performing songs at 15.  "It wasn't until I was about 17 or 18 that I began finding my own musical voice." he says,  "It was after spending about a year and a half going in and out of psychiatric hospitals for severe depression.  To this day I continue finding that voice."

James has lived in the Champlain Valley in Vermont, the canyon-lands of southern Utah, the Colorado Rockies, and now in the Catskill Mountains, where he used to visit his uncle as a child.  These places are in his music, very few songs of which don't mention mountains or meadows, snow or rain.  "I did some of my most prolific writing when I lived the winter in a tipi up Broadstreet Hollow [in the Catskills].", he says.

Expect a repertoire consisting of a hand-full of traditional folk songs, including Irish and old-time American music, as well as a rich treasury of his own compositions which range in style from country waltzes to the contemporary.  He has worked extensively with historical, environmental and regional material, performing shows such as 'Songs and Stories of Olde New York' and 'Purple Mountains Majesty'.  Said to be 'often brilliant' (The Vermont Times) James brings "heartfelt appreciation to songs that celebrate the passing of the seasons and the sound of rain on a windowsill". "But here are songs that probe beneath the surface of seemingly simple topics." (Rambles Magazine)

James has recorded three solo albums, and performs in folk clubs, concert halls, coffee houses, colleges, libraries, and small festivals.  He has performed for The New York State Maple Grower's Association, local historical societies, The Humane Society, National Artists for Mental Health, The North American Bluebird Society, The Sierra Club, and more.  James has received a grant from Burlington City Arts, 3 grants through the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, 1 grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts and the New York Council on the Arts, was chosen to be an Artist in Residence at the Platte Clove Preserve by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, and has appeared live on both commercial and college radio.