There is still a lot to be said about paying your dues. There is a certain vitality, energetic self confidence, and lusty exuberance that must be presented in a genuine performance. Propelled by a life firmly rooted in the blues, James Van Buren combined a lifetime of experiences and rolled them into songs that reflect his warm personal style and the dynamic nature of his musical career, which spanned more than five decades. Born in Arrow Rock, Missouri in 1935, Van Buren has been involved in music since 1956 when he formed the “Blues Kings” to play the type of music that he loved listening to as a child, the blues. Originally a drummer, he spent many years on the road with such legends as T. Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Lou Rawls and later participated in group and duet performances with talents such as Irene Reid, Good Rockin’ Brown, Pat Metheny and John Harris. Van Buren decided to make Denver his home, and there started to make his presence known as a blues and jazz singer. He has a natural sense of swing, and a dynamic stage personality. Always supported by the finest players in the Denver area, and visiting musicians alike, he has garnered quite a reputation in the Mile High City. Jazz great Benny Golson, a Van Buren colleague, has stated, “His voice reaches back a hundred years and yet maintains the freshness of today. After listening to him it becomes quite obvious that he sings with his heart as well.” As Phil Upchurch put it, “James is as original in his song as Joe Williams or Billie Holiday. The other thing I like about his style is that you can hear him smiling”. In 1985, James formed his own label and launched his debut album “We Will be Together Again.” His second album, “It’s all Over,” earned James national recognition with the album making the Top 20 list on NPR. His third album, “I Ain’t Doin’ Too Bad,” (1988) took James to higher levels of recognition with the song “Three Handed Woman” being one of his top selling songs. This writer had the pleasure to be in Denver when James was tearing it up in those downtown clubs, and twenty years later he has become a local legend. James Van Buren lives for Saturday Night. That’s where it’s at. He comes across in a live performance the way only an old hand of the bar wars can.
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He has produced some fine live recordings going back to “Hurry Up and Slow Down,” (1990) recorded live at the Casino Cabaret, “Live at Littleton Town Hall,” (1993) “Live at Vartan Jazz,”(1996) and his most recent offering, “Live at the Kasbah,” (2004) which features alto saxophonist Richie Cole. What’s really interesting about his repertoire is that he is not one to rehash the same old songs, choosing wisely to bring in fresh arrangements of either new songs or classic standards. On stage he can slip into a caressing ballad, cover vintage bebop, or kick the band into some greasy blues. His command of the stage, respect for the audience and his accompanying musicians, portray a performer very much at ease with what he’s doing. He’s also one of the best dressed cats on the scene. “James Van Buren is a veteran singer in the mold of Eddie Jefferson, with a raspy voice that swings whether he's performing bop, swing, or ballads. This 2004 “Live at the Kasbah,” finds him in great form, backed by pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist Mark Diamond, and drummer Paul Romaine, with special guest Richie Cole added on alto sax. What's particularly enjoyable about this nightclub set is that Van Buren has a knack for doing standards that have fallen out of favor, particularly "Saturday Night," "All the Way," and "That Old Black Magic," the latter played with a brisk bossa nova rhythm. His touching performance of Benny Carter's lovely ballad "I Was Wrong" (originally written for Joe Williams) and the swinging take of "Christopher Columbus" are also among the CD's highlights. Cole's solos add just the right touch of spice.” Review by Ken Dryden from All Music Guide. Fans from James’ home state of Colorado, have adopted “James’ Baseball Song” as the anthem for their Colorado Rockies baseball team. Since 1996, this song has been chorused by hundreds of fans and has been released as a popular single. James was a tireless supporter of Jazz in his community, giving generously of his time to support growth of the arts. His warm, open personality contributed to his ability to draw strong crowds, a loyal following and make new friends wherever he went. There are unique historical configurations that produced the blues, the cultural conditions which were in place to lay the foundation of this music must be acknowledged and recognized. Any melodic similarities by pale imitators appear weak, trivial and without substance, One has to have lived the life in its fullest participation from the milieu from which it came. James Van Buren was a jazz singer defined by his profound understanding of the blues, that’s where he came from.
Source: James Nadal
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