By Jeffrey Allen Federowicz
For The Daily Item
—
Shayfer James wants to tell you a story. Not from a dog-eared book, but through his original music.
Using musical notes and rhythm to create images painted with sound, James is a modern-day vagabond and storyteller influenced by Johnny Cash, Aaron Copland and the world around him.
On Saturday, the New Jersey-based James will pack his bag, grab his fellow musicians and descend upon Williamsport to spin a yarn of music that draws audiences away from their worries and cares, if only for a few hours.
“I can most accurately describe my style as pop noir,” James said. “A darker, quirkier take on familiarly structured songs, with a focus on lyrical storytelling.”
James music is a hybrid of gothic folk and pop with a dash of musical styling that has no set boundaries. His songs speak of grand love, great loss and evil deeds.
In addition to vocals, the performance will also feature James with his instrument of choice, the piano — what he calls “an unforgiving beast one moment and
a seductive woman the next.”
Rounding out the musical lineup with be Dusty Bones on drums and Mr. Gillespie providing bass and background vocals.
“The very best part of performing is the electricity that happens internally on stage. It is always there regardless of the venue or the size of the audience,” James said. “My bandmates and I have an unyielding passion for playing live. Some days are longer than others, but I cannot find anything truly negative about making mischief through music.”
Since 2008, James has been performing either solo or with fellow musicians across the East Coast with nearly 60 performances a year.
“About ninety percent of the music I perform is original. We’ll also perform some covers including songs by Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Nine Inch Nails and Nat King Cole,” he said. “Music
keeps me at odds and at peace.”
His new album, “The Owl & The Elephant,” was a major accomplishment for the artist as he tried to have the music reflect who he is and how he wants to perceived and regarded as a creative being.
“People should come to the Bullfrog performance to see an electrifying and mischievous live show,” James said. “We bring a suitcase full of lights everywhere we go and never shortchange a performance. It will be a unique experience.”
