The James Brothers are in fact not brothers and only one of them is called James who is also the one half of Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (musically and maritally) and whom can also be seen expressing his musical prowess in Bellowhead and the Cara Dillon Band. The other outlaw looking chap is Jamie McClennan who is also in a duo with Emily Smith whom he is also married to. Jamie’s musical talents have also seen him play fiddle, whistle and guitar next to the likes of The Waifs, Beth Nielson Chapman, Brian Finnegan and John McCusker.
So what have these two actually got in common apart from making their daily bread in the wonderful British folk arena? They’re both originally from down-under…James Fagan was born in Sydney and Mr McClennan is a kiwi. This somehow seemed like a good enough common ground to form a duo and take centre stage for a change, although they are quick to add that their primary interests are still their wives…wise move lads, they know which side their bread is buttered on.
In all honesty they share a love for music from the Southern Hemisphere which include ballads, self-penned tunes like I Wallaby Free (inspired by a true-life attempt to catch the bouncing beast; its title the best of a groan-inducing bunch suggested by a concert audience) and even a cover of Six Months In A Leaky Boat by Split Enz (the band’s founders, Tim and Neil Finn were teenage performers at Jamie’s dad’s folk club, before going on to form the multi-million selling Crowded House).
The good news is that they have a bunch of tour dates lined up across the UK in February which we’ve shared below. The shows promise to be top class and you’ll have a good few laughs as well. We’ve chosen Jamie’s Tunes as our Song (tune) of the Day:
If you’d like a more of a taster then go and grab their free EP here (contributions are also gratefully received).
Tour Dates
Feb 09, 2014 Foundry Folk – The Tobie Norris, STAMFORD
Feb 12, 2014 Greystones, Sheffield
Feb 13, 2014 Black Swan Folk Club, York
Feb 14, 2014 Carlisle Folk and Blues Club, Carlisle
Feb 18, 2014 Leith Folk Club, Leith / Edinburgh
Feb 20, 2014 Montrose Folk Club, Montrose
Feb 21, 2014 Stonehaven Folk Club, Stonehaven
Feb 22, 2014 Catstrand, New Galloway