Biog
Ensconced in Machen, a village nestling in the heart of industrial South East Wales, near Newport, Paul James singer/songwriter has been writing purposefully, and some would say prolifically, since his retirement from teaching. In these last few years he has released six albums, four music videos and a book of poetry.
Before embarking on this late-life solo flourish Paul played in outfits such as Gumbo Ya Ya and The Jabs.
Due, perhaps, to the eclectic nature of his influences Paul's style of music is not so easy to pin down but feeling and lyrical honesty are key.
Paul has performed live on radio and at venues ranging from the small and cosy to large theatres and festivals.
Paul's Studio Philosophy
If you were to walk into Paul's living room you would see some fine pencil drawings by his former Jabs colleague and acoustic slide guitarist Steve Wood of some of the early recording greats such as Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith and Big Bill Broonzy. Blues legends who were introduced to Paul by great friend and mentor Chris Skelding when he was a teenager. These artists, for various reasons, often laid down their material in one or two takes and left it at that. Whatever their reasons at the time the recordings, despite their age, have an immediacy and freshness that still impress. That's Paul's approach.
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Paul's Albums
Available online and on CD
Remember Your Name
Remember Your Name, released in 2023, was Paul's debut album. It has been a firm favourite ever since.
Essentially Pop said:
'An emphatic debut'
'A deeply immersive album'
'Every single song is a winner'
'A marvellous album'
The Golden Fly
The Golden Fly, also released in 2023, was a more experimental album with Paul introducing acoustic bass guitar on 'Moonstruck' and djembe on 'Daffodil's in the Alley'.
'Music Forum Wales' said:
‘Paul’s voice has an incredible and genuine tone.’
‘Resonates Nick Cave and Johnny Cash vibes.’
‘A must listen to album.’
‘The album is amazing!’
Time Is Mine
Time Is Mine, Paul's third album, was released in 2024. The album introduced the captivating backing vocals of Natalje Hall and Charlotte Knott on five of the twelve tracks.
Lynda Nash, independent music critic and poet, said:
'There is a richness to his music and a depth to his lyrics.'
'Hard-hitting' with 'a laid back vibe.'
'Overall, Time Is Mine is an interesting collection of songs.'
Before You Go
Paul's fourth album, Before You Go, was also released in 2024. The album introduced Huw 'Mac' McCarthy on harmonica on one of the eleven tracks. It was to be the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
Lynda Nash, independent music critic and poet, said:
Before You Go is eleven tracks of shoulder-swaying indie-folk tunes with heartfelt lyrics to which you can relate. The songs are supported by the haunting harmonica of Huw 'Mac' McCarthy and the harmonious backing vocals of Natalje Hall and Charlotte Knott.
The Powers That Be
The Powers That Be, Paul's fifth album, was released in 2025. It was an album that was to spawn three music videos. (See below)
Lynda Nash, independent music critic and poet, said:
'James's subject matter is diverse: each song tells a story, conveys a message or simply gives the listener plenty to think about.'
'His lyrics are sharply observed.'
'...ethereal vocals provided by Natalje Hall and Charlotte Knott.'
TIWN Magazine said:
'...beautifully written and performed'
'...clever songwriting.'
'A very good album.'
Heaven's Blues
Heaven's Blues, Paul's sixth album, was also released in 2025. It was dedicated to Swansea artist Tim Evans who died on Boxing Day of 2024. Many of the songs, such as The Summer of Love, Heaven's Blues, Skip and Silver Lining, were inspired by Tim, as were some on the previous album The Powers That Be.
Streaming figures and listener feedback indicate that Heaven's Blues is Paul's most popular album to date.
Paul's Music Videos
You Are Me: How Do You Feel?
You are me: How Do You Feel? from The Powers That Be is a plaintive yet powerfully defiant song of sorrow relating to the death, confusion and disfigurement of the innocents of war which was influenced by the bombing of children in Gaza. Made in collaboration with Darren Thomas.
Down With The Poets
Down With The Poets from The Powers That Be is a stripped back slice of dark humour relating to the pitfalls of computer technology for the more 'poetic' type. The video features Paul and Huw 'Mac' McCarthy and the song also features Natalje Hall and Charlotte Knott on backing vocals. Made in collaboration with Darren Thomas.
Dia De Los Muertos
Dia De Los Muertos from The Powers That Be came about when Swansea based artist Tim Evans sent Paul a copy of a painting/collage of a skeleton with a guitar and challenged him to write a song about it. The song is set in Mexico at the time of hurricane Lydia and features some great innovative backing vocals from Natalje Hall and Charlotte Knott.
The Summer of Love
The Summer of Love from Heaven's Blues was another song influenced by Swansea based artist Tim Evans who spent some time in San Francisco during the 1960s when it was the centre of hope for a new way of life. The song features Huw 'Mac' McCarthy on harmonica. Made in collaboration with Darren Thomas.
To be released on November 19 2025.
The Collaborators
The Collaborators
The Collaborators
'Wonderful people all.'
The Backing Singers
Charlotte Knott and Natalje Hall hail from Hereford. They are not only superb backing singers
who have produced extraordinary work on all of Paul's albums since their introduction on Time Is Mine, they are wonderful singer/songwriters and lead singers in their own right. Charlotte fronts Delta Soul and Natalje fronts The Alley Cats. And, as you can see, they are great fun!
The Harmonica Man
This is harmonica man Huw 'Mac' McCarthy who now hails from the city of Brighton and Hove. Since his introduction, playing on The North Pole on Before You Go, Mac has had an increasing and hugely beneficial influence on Paul's output with his outstanding contributions which have become significant features on much of Paul's work. He as also become a great source of insightful advice.
The Sound Guy
Jordan Day-Williams of COBRA Music Studios in Newport has been the sound guy in every sense. He has been there for Paul for all his recordings with his great expertise, humour and understanding. It's been a special partnership.
Joss Wood
Joss's brilliantly innovative photographs adorn the first five of Paul's albums including the cover photo for his debut album, Remember Your Name. Her infectious, natural enthusiasm was always a welcome bonus be it at a live event, in the studio or a social gathering. Joss is currently concentrating on her family.
Ray Thomas
Ray Thomas is a wonderful artist and huge rugby and music fan who hails from Cimla in South Wales. He is renowned for his sketches of rugby players and musicians as well as his innovative paintings.
Ray is the talent behind two of Paul's album covers, Time Is Mine and The Powers That Be.
Look out for Ray's one man exhibitions in the Neath area.
Lyndon Richards
The cover for Before You Go features a drawing by Lyndon Richards called Rush Hour. Lyndon was trained in art at Newport, Cheltenham and Cardiff colleges of art. He graduated in 1978. He then went to work in Art Education until 2006 when he retired to concentrate on his own art, since when he has continually produced work of outstanding quality. In recent times Lyndon has found particular inspiration in drawing scenes and characters which depict the history and soul of the South Wales valleys - of which Rush Hour is a fine example. Lyndon often has exhibitions - especially in South Wales. Well worth a looking out for.
Lillibeth Brown
Lillibeth was a teaching colleague of Paul's at Bedwas High School where she taught science. Once retired Lillibeth followed her dream of developing her skills in art. When Paul saw the quality of work that Lillibeth was producing he asked her if she would create a piece for a forthcoming album.
The result was the amazing cover of The Golden Fly which you can see in the albums section of this site. Displayed here is another superb example of Lillibeth's work.
Tim Evans
Tim Evan's, Swansea based artist, poet, teacher, musician and activist was a man of many fine talents. Tim contributed artwork for both of the inner sleeves for the CD of The Powers That Be and all the artwork for the CD and the online face of Heaven's Blues. Tim died of cancer in 2024. He was much loved, inspirational and is hugely missed.
Darren Thomas
Trethomas based videographer and musician Darren Thomas has all the knowledge, experience and talents necessary to make fine music videos - and that's exactly what he does.
Darren has been the guiding light behind Paul's music video output for which he is hugely grateful.
Gallery
Paul at Brecon Cathedral
Aparthotel Arenal, Pals. Spain
Poster with a collage/painting by Tim Evans
The Cellar Door, Newport
Rumney Folk Club, Cardiff
Paul and Chris Skelding
The Volcano Theatre, Swansea
The Crazy Truth author Gemma June Howell at The Volcano Theatre
Bourton's Bargoed
The Project, Caerphilly
The Courthouse, Caerphilly
No. 12, Pontypridd
The Coffi Vista, Caerphilly
The Grand Theatre, Swansea
The Jabs at Rudry Village Hall
Hereford
With Chloe Griffin and Kym Frederick at Newport City Radio
Huw 'Mac' McCarthy
The Crazy Truth book launch at The Elysium, Swansea
Jordan, Paul, Charlotte and Natalje at COBRA Music Studios, Newport
Forge Reunion, Machen Legion
Poetry
Gigs
Watch this space for forthcoming gigs in 2026.