JAMES KEEN is a singer/songwriter who uses varying musical styles combined with poetic lyricism and dynamic vocals to create a fresh, compelling and distinctive sound. He is currently fronting the eclectic pop/rock group Magazine Gap - www.magazinegap.com
Whilst keeping the overall sound consistent and commercial, James takes his audience on a journey, fusing together pop-rock, blues, funk, jazz, folk and country with occasional R&B, hip-hop/soul, Latin and African-flavoured rhythms. His lyrics similarly address a wide range of themes. James has performed widely in the UK, the United States and South Africa.
James' partnership with veteran session drummer and producer Brian McCook led to a perfect harmony of musical aspiration. Complementing each other from different musical backgrounds and perspectives, they have created a timeless and yet contemporary sound. Brian (aka "Cookie") has recorded and toured with a range of international artists, both in Europe and the US.
James' debut album, “No Coincidence”, containing 12 songs written by James and produced by Cookie, is currently on release; it features Brian McCook on Drums, Tim Gyton on Bass Guitar, Jason Keen on Electric Guitar, Kofi Karikari on percussion, plus a brass trio, a string quartet and three backing vocalists. In all, 16 different players contributed to the album. The album was recorded in London and mastered at the world famous Abbey Road Studios. Selected tracks can be found under music, and pictures from the recording sessions can be found in the gallery.
For the promotion of that album, the band brought in Alex Ho on piano to fill in for Jason who couldn't make some of the dates. This brought a new dynamic, and the development of a distinctive new sound with the reconstitution in 2009 of all five in the group as "Magazine Gap".
Last year Magazine Gap began recording a new album, entitled "Light & Shade", in studios in London and in Los Angeles, Houston & New Orleans whilst on tour in the US last August (West Coast-to-Gulf Coast). The band has also recorded 4 performance-style music videos, available to see on www.youtube.com/magazinegap. In March 2010, the band returned to the US for a second tour (East Coast-to-West Coast) during which the final two songs for the new album were laid down in New York and Chicago. They have just performed their biggest date yet with a concert at The 100 Club, the oldest live music venue in Central London.
REVIEWS
"Finally, the last act of the night was James Keen and his band Magazine Gap. Wow. What a voice. What a groove. What songs. James Keen is the next artist to watch. People were coming up to me and saying, literally, “I feel like I’ve just seen the next Sting”. Another person said to me “I feel like I’m witnessing the launch of the Beatles”. Another said to me “I feel so privileged to be seeing the rise of a new Dave Matthews Band”. I mean, these guys are going to be big. People who were tired and were going to leave after the first song, sat with their jaws dropped until James’ very last song and note."
Gilli Moon, President - Songsalive!
[On MG's first US performance in LA]
"A sparkling example of contemporary music, No Coincidence isn't just a good album - it's bloody brilliant!! With music that crosses and blurs musical genre, James Keen offers something for everyone. Superb songs, stunning musicianship and a beautifully rounded and well proportioned voice that can adapt to any rhythmic and/or genre nuance you could imagine. Comparisons are difficult but I can hear James Taylor and Tim Buckley in his delivery; a massively impressive voice and quite clearly a lyricist and composer of the highest order. This is an album I'll be listening to for ages and I don't see myself ever getting tired of it. Stunning in every aspect, it's an absolute gem of an album and fully deserves massive success. 10/10"
Toxic Pete, Rhythm & Booze
"More polished than a Royal Marine’s favourite boots and more sophisticated than a poodle with a cigarette holder, James Keen has put together an album of carefully crafted, slickly produced mature pop music. A host of highly accomplished musicians have rallied round the London-based singer songwriter on No Coincidence to produce 12 tracks that effortlessly draw on blues, soul, folk, country and rock to breathe life into more than a few canny melodies. It’s just one new idea after another and there’s more variety than the pick ‘n’ mix counter. What unites it all, though, is the strength of the melodies. An incredibly well rounded and surprising collection. Genres, who needs them?
Come in David Gray, your time is up."
Overplay
"No Coincidence is a well produced and performed adult singer-songwriter CD with a good mix of tracks. The variety of themes and styles gives life and energy to the CD. James' songwriting is outstanding, with memorable chord progressions and meaningful lyrics that build to powerful choruses. “Painting a Picture” has a nice rhythmic groove behind James' excellent guitar work and provides lyrics that are expressive and nicely tell a story. “The Dawn” is a wonderful example of the variety that shines in this CD. "Something to be Said" has a country music influence, and provides a beautiful, soft ending to the CD. If you enjoy singer-songwriters such as Tracy Chapman or Jason Mraz, you will enjoy this CD."
Radioindy.com
"A good pop record will draw inspiration from a plethora of sources, so No Coincidence is built on solid foundations with an entire spectrum of styles and artists supplying the influences. The sound takes on jazzy-pop and country-soul pathways with plenty of the generically labelled (but certainly not generic-sounding) pop. If you are a fan of any of these influences, you'll certainly enjoy James Keen.
An all-round winner."
The Mag
"An incredibly slick and well-packaged album, with all the professionalism of a fully-signed artist,
No Coincidence is a complete melting pot of James’s influences. The myriad of musicians on this record leads to a truly eclectic sound, helping to keep the album sound fresh with each listen. The highlight is the simple but highly infectious “Nevertheless” which will be stuck in my head for days to come.
Overall, a great and varied debut."
music-news.com
“An accomplished singer/songwriter, James Keen's album No Coincidence is a classy piece of work with 12 strong tracks and a very full and accomplished musical backdrop. Most of them have a funky / bluesy feel, with intriguing, and not obvious, lyrics. James has a good, strong voice with a pleasing tremolo which strongly reminds me of a cross between Tracy Chapman and Chris Issacs.
All in all, a very pleasing listen.”
Music Maker Magazine
“His Major-League Potential Is Undeniable”
Logo Magazine
“A singer/songwriter in the finest tradition”
Music-On-The-Hill Festival Promoter
“A poetic flair… a cornucopia of cool lines & phrases… a real way with words, as far as colourful language and specific imagery goes to paint a vivid word canvas… intellectual or emotional,
a whole lotta talent goin’ on!!!”
UNISONG lyrical adjudicator
HitQuarters Artist Of The Week – October 2005
(“Oversight”)