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James Van Buren

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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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

From The Beginning

Warner Bros. Records
2006

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Live at the Kasbah

Van Buren Records
2004

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Three Handed Woman

Warner Bros. Records
1988

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It's All Over

Warner Bros. Records
1986

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We Will Be Together

Warner Bros. Records
1983

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