“James Passey is a rare breed today. A true troubadour of song. There’s something eternal and ancient about his passion – all the great songwriters came from this place.
His voice is a mixture of dust and light. The real deal.”

Martin Page; Legendary Songwriter
(Bernie Taupin, Robbie Robertson (The Band), Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, Barbra Streisand, Robbie Williams)

“Your style I totally mould with James, you are an exceptional lyricist, guitarist with a vision that is quite unique in this troubled world. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the spring, we will do some great stuff. In the meantime keep em coming !”

Bryan Ferry
Re track “Emma Louise”
 
“James has an astounding old school tone and song writing ability. I look forward to hooking up during spring 2024.”    
Bryan Ferry

“ An old school lyricist with incredible talent !”

 

“ James has the ability to change up his style the way Dylan did …  a great writer !! “

Bryan Ferry

“Omg ! This is James picking Passey !
This is the singer I have been waiting to meet !
He is so original,
His guitar playing weaves around you and his hypnotic singing
Captures your heart.”  

Chris Kimsey, Legendary Producer | Engineer ( The Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, INXS, Duran Duran etc )

“Fact is Nicks ( Drake) guitar finger style was very seldomly recognised but I always loved his playing…., rarely mentioned., obviously John ( Martyn) was a monster and innovative… but they both swung !!! Listened to your creations and really moved by ‘em …… songs, arrangements and performance … refreshing to hear “Live” performance and hear the desire to serve the song.”

Danny Thompson, (John Martyn, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Bert Jansch, T Rex, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Paul Weller, Talk Talk, Rod Stewart, etc , etc)

James, I just cued up the track it sounds fantastic…amazing considering the basic is an iPhone voice memo?! The upright bass is the right call & the cello adds a beautiful dimension.”     Re track “ Need A Little Longer “ 

“In the universe of singer-songwriters I’ve been blessed to have worked with some of the best…Van Morrison, Don McLean, Bonnie Rait, Randy Newman etc . I’m talking old school sensibilities here. So it’s always refreshing & reassuring to be a creative part of a new artist who’s carrying that torch…and James Passey’s got it in spades.”

John Platania, Legendary Guitarist: Van Morrison(Moondance Album), Don McLean, Randy Newman etc

“Something about a simple guitar and singer when done well that draws you in. Then the song ,the sentiment and the atmosphere have to keep you there. ‘Dead ends ‘ does this and you don’t notice the time signature changes.” … I think/ hope it’s a compliment about signature changes !

Pick Withers, Drummer : Dire Straits ( Dire Straits , Communique, Making Movies, Love Over Gold). Bob Dylan “Slow Train Coming” and Bert Jansch etc

“One of my passions during my 70 years on this planet has been my love of Singer/Songwriters playing acoustic guitar. It started back in the 60s early 70s at the  folk nights held in our local pub, The Two Brewers Thornborough in the village where I grew up.  One night someone covered a Neil Young song it blew me away and since that day I  have been a fan.

I think along with that and seeing Don McLean at the New Theatre Oxford with John Horwood was the drive for me to play guitar, he was amazing. Since then I have trawled through You Tube where I have come across and become a follower of some fantastic Singer/Songwriters

In no particular order these are in my top 20.

John Martyn,  John Prine, James Passey, Neil Young, Bob Marley,  Don McLean, Carol King, Karl Wallinger, Dallas Green, ( City and Colour),  Joan Baez, Justin Vernon (Bon Ivor), Ray LaMontagne,  Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, David Gray, Evan Dando and Tom Morgan ( Lemonheads), Townes Van Zandt, Gordon Lightfoo,. Richard Thomson, James Taylor,  Adam Duritz ( Counting Crows),

There are hundreds more.”

Paul L G Goodger, Guitarist & Music fanatic

“I came across one of James’ videos on Instagram…loved his songs and his guitar work! I immediately asked him to be an Audiobridge endorsed artist!”

Andrew Perusi, Audiobridge (USA) Director of Artist Outreach

“Empires”
James Passey

Forget the dreadful AI music craze because there is a bright new light on the horizon….
James Passey’s “Empires”.

Moving lyrics with a soothingly smooth voice that can move one’s soul. James Passey has written and sung an absolutely mesmerising song that you will want to keep on repeat. Passey, a self-taught songwriter and musician, has great guitar skills and a voice that comes across with a yearning passion. The lushness of “Empires” is wonderfully enhanced with the addition of Karl Wallinger on piano and harp, Martyn Swain on bass, Kevin Armstrong on electric guitar and Liam Genockey on percussion. Wallinger’s piano and harp playing interweaves the melody beautifully. Musically, a joy to listen to the vintage mellow vibe, that takes your breath away in its understated beauty. “Empires” is truly standout !!

Klf Barrett , Writer and ex Music Journalist (NME etc)

“James Passey is carrying the torch for classic English folk songwriters, he also has a way with deft fingerstyle guitar in the tradition of John Martyn and Davey Graham etc .. all topped off with a soulful but real voice. Humility, warmth, class. Shockingly good stuff.“

Nick McCabe, The Verve

“Welcoming this guy back to Scotland! One of my favourite discoveries! Music and Spirit that just shines with an authenticity…It was a 4 track E.P now expanded to 5 tracks! Perfect Calling Card as it leaves you wanting to hear more!! “Dead Ends” is the opening track! Intricately weavingly… Picked guitar work! Harking back to the really great exponents of the Acoustic Guitar! Think of the Cream of the Cream here! Beautiful in every way… I love when someone captures “Air”…So that you feel that you are inhabiting that space with them…Where the music becomes spellbinding! You’ll find sweet female backing vocals underpinning and complimenting James’s voice “Talk Forever” very much has a Heart on Sleeve fragility… Infact every track has perfect production and just sounds rich and warm Intimate too…”Don’t Leave me Now” is very much styled in a Beatles-esque/pime Noel Gallagher Acoustic Guitar /Accompanying Orchestration! Fooled my Brother’s ears!! As i told him…That it was a newly discovered lost track from that period!! He is a huge Oasis fan “Castles in the Air” is a shimmering cover of Don McLean!! The Man Himself would approve!!! The guitar playing and vocals are mesmerising!! Exemplary playing from all hands on this…”Dying of the Light” is the closing Gem!! Wonderful!! If you feel inclined…Go check out James for yourself!! As great music should be heard…And given a home!! It will remind you of the Best…Wonderful Songwriting/Vocals and Musicianship!! It upholds that Timelessness…A connecting link…To that Era of amazing Playing and Production!!! Wish You all the best James!!!”

Stewart Harper, (Music Fan) Glasgow Scotland

“James Passey is a brilliant musician and an exquisite songwriter….A soft lazy approach to such beautiful melodies is where the magic hangs high here. A storytelling fingerpicking style with a smooth chord changing action that sends you to the next place in fluent musical flow”

Michael Insyzygy, Singer/Songwriter, acoustic guitarist, Music Promoter. Mamchester UK

“Raw and evocative lyrics with songs of heartache that so many can relate to, James Passey has found a way to your soul. That alone has had a multitude of established artists only too keen to contribute to his music, adding creative input to his voice and guitar. And with that, glowing endorsements. But hey, don’t take my word for it, discover him yourself and ride the talent train. You won’t be disappointed. In fact you’ll owe me a pint”

Tony Michaelides, Legendary Music Industry PR Guru ( U2 , Sting, David Bowie, Massive Attack, Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel . The Stone Roses etc etc ) Also Radio Host at Picadilly Radio where he took over from Mark Radcliffe and Sony Award Nomined several times

“Absolutely love this guy he’s one amazing Singer/Songwriter !
I put him up there with John Prine, John Martyn, Bon Iver, City and Colour, Ray LaMontagne, Neil Young Yusuf ( Cat Stevens), David Gray and many more!

Paul Goodger , Guitarist/ Musician. A Fan

“It turned out great! It was such a pleasure to be included in Mim and James’ new project! Enjoy!”

Legendary bass player Leland Sklar ( James Taylor , Carole King , Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins etc.)

“GTFOH This stuff is ridiculous… now you’re one of my favourite guitar players… so good man, so good!”

Nick McCabe (The Verve) on track “Dead Ends”

After nearly 50yrs in the music business, 35 of them in the London Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with some of the finest artists in the world (André Previn; John Williams; Nanci Griffith; Frank Zappa; Elvis Costello; Emily Sandé to name but a few) I hope I could be forgiven for thinking that I’ve seen and heard it all. And then out of the blue along comes James Passey. To hear songs so lyrical and musical is a joy when everything else seems to sound the same. His voice is mesmerising, and his writing refreshing. His guitar playing is a delight. I can’t wait for more. Hope it’s not too long before the next EP.

Hilary Jones, 35 years as cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra

“Beautiful song and video that conveys life in this ever troubled world. Submerged in many things to a likeness of being underwater. Learning to swim and needing more time to reach the end of the challenge. James has learned to write these songs that have the power to carry us to these destinations. Powerful songs and imagery that tell us we can get to a better placement. In the right hands this artist has the potential to reach millions. An artist to be excited about again…….a blessing for many!!”

Scott Amstutz, (Musician , Songwriter , Promoter. from Chicago USA). Re track “ Need A Little Longer”

“Fact is Nicks ( Drake) guitar finger style was very seldomly recognised but I always loved his playing…., rarely mentioned., obviously John ( Martyn) was a monster and innovative… but they both swung !!! Listened to your creations and really moved by ‘em …… songs, arrangements and performance … refreshing to hear “Live” performance and hear the desire to serve the song. ”

Danny Thompson , ( John Martyn, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Bert Jansch, T Rex, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Paul Weller, Talk Talk, Rod Stewart, etc , etc)

“James Passey is a throwback – in a good way! Well crafted songs, beautifully recorded with a stellar supporting cast, and meaningful lyrics to go with strong melodies. Sync departments please take note!!”

John Altman, BAFTA and EMMY Award Winning Composer and Musician ('Titanic movie soundtrack', Jimi Hendrix, Sting, Jimmy Page, Van Morisson, Conductor at The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)

“Empires” gives me chills EVERY TIME i listen to it! I love it with just you & your guitar! You can hear your beautiful guitar skills and your unique but AMAZING voice! You truly are a style of your own, people will listen & say: “Ah, that’s a Passey song!” Can’t wait to turn on the radio, here in the US, and you be blasting from my radio! 🇺🇸 ❤️ 🚀.

Linda Smith Manns ( a fan ) West Virginia USA

“James Passey’s songs are like a glimpse into the past –
to a time when popular music could, and did, change the World.”

Martyn Swain, Emmy Winning Composer / Producer/ Arranger & Bass Player ( The Waterboys, World Party, Robert Plant, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor Julian Lennon, Ron Sexsmith etc )

“James Passey is a rare breed today. A true troubadour of song. There’s something eternal and ancient about his passion – all the great songwriters came from this place.
His voice is a mixture of dust and light. The real deal.”

Martin Page; Legendary Songwriter, (Bernie Taupin, Robbie Robertson (The Band), Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, Barbra Streisand, Robbie Williams)

“A pleasure to work on James Passey’s heartfelt songs. A troubadour well worth checking out !”

Kevin Armstrong, Producer & Session Guitarist / Collaborator with David Bowie / Morrisey/ Iggy Pop)

“Lovely guy and great songs ! Definitely worth tracking down to have a listen to !”

Maggie Reilly, (Moonlight Shadow / Mike Oldfield, Cado Belle etc)

“So GOOD!! So refreshing to hear some brilliantly produced Rock and Roll, great vocals and guitar, great production, cool song,  so much needed right now.”

Marcella Detroit

“James has the ability to finger pick guitar as well as any of the originators, and has a voice that can convey emotion that’s unapproachable. What separates him from his contemporaries is his song writing ability… It’s the best of the past with a connection to the future that is truly able to heal your soul.”

Rog Mogale, Producer / CEO of Void Acoustics

“lovely song… reminds me a little bit of Nickel Creek” re track ‘Talk Forever’

Mo Foster… legendary session bass player (Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Sting etc)

Mo Foster

“Sublime”  “absolutely in love with this track“
Re tracks Dead Ends & She Don’t Call

Legendary Producer Chris Kimsey, (The Rolling Stones , INXS, Yes, Peter Frampton , Curt Smith etc etc)

‘A song with all the ingredients for greatness – lots of warmth and feeling. Best of all – you’ll want to keep playing it!’

Track   ‘Leave This World Behind’

Dennis Sinnott, Former CEO of EMI Publishing

“Songs from the heart…and reminiscent of early Bert Jansch”

Gordon Giltrap (MBE), Acoustic Guitar Legend

“James is a very talented musician and songwriter. He has wonderful ideas, knows his own mind and comes up with brilliant songs. It was quite an honour that he chose to come to me after a long period out of the studio. We recorded “Leave This World Behind” which I’m extremely proud to have been part of!”

George Shilling, Producer (Steve Winwood, Primal Scream, The Soup Dragons, The Cardigans etc etc)

“James is a unique talent … haunting melodies & epic tunes!”

Steve Blacknell, (BBC1, Radio 1, Mtv (London Calling) and A&R (Decca|Jive|London Records)

“Really great melodies… right up my street!”

Nick Brine, Engineer|Producer: (Oasis, The Verve, Arctic Monkeys, Bruce Springsteen)