A thoughtful, cheeky, immense talent with a smidge of smarm, Sam James is an original, a troubadour with his trusty ax who calls it like he sees it.

From humble beginnings in Portland, James’ act has caught fire and carried him around the world and back. His patented grumble is a worthy match for his honest songs, and although his resonator guitar stylings may suggest the blues to the layman, don’t dare limit this man to a genre.

Additional Photos

Sam James says the state of old-school blues is affected by black Americans' readiness to create styles of music, throw them away and move on to the next. John Reece photo

Truth is, James is a jewel in the Portland music-scene crown. You can’t put a price on authenticity. GO checked in with the incorrigible songster prior to a solo show at One Longfellow Square Friday night. He’s at Blue in Portland on Jan. 20.

What was 2010’s biggest triumph?

Gaining back the 15 pounds I lost on my tour of Turkey.

This spring you’re headed to Germany, Norway and England. What’s your favorite place in Europe, and why?

I once very successfully ran away from my problems to Ireland. It would have to be Ireland.

What’s the difference between a real bluesman and a hack? 

Well, I don’t really consider myself a bluesman. I consider myself one of the last remaining five wandering black troubadours; a songster, if you will. I actually play very few “blues” songs. But I think, like any form of music, one can tell the difference of quality within the first couple of bars. And if you can’t, we can talk about it after the show.

You recently added a new technique for your guitar. What does this style entail, and how did you discover it?

It’s a percussive style. The idea is to play drums at the same time as the guitar without actually doing that. I came up with it by trying to overcomplicate my life.

Why are there so few of you? What’s the state of old-school blues these days?

There are so few of me because my parents thought it best. I am considered by the press to be in the “blues world,” and I will say that in my experience of that, I have noticed this: We, as black Americans, create styles of music, throw them away and move on to the next almost immediately. Blues to jazz to rock to soul to hip-hop and to whatever is next. I believe this happens because of the sense of impermanence that comes with being the only minority brought here against our will … but maybe that’s a discussion for a different article.

What can we expect from the record next year?

Surprises! Lots of them! 

When you travel the world, do you ever get homesick? If so, what for?

You know, Portland is the kind of place where music is appreciated for quality over genre. In the U.S., it’s a trait hard to come by in any city. I miss that. Also, my darling Rosa.

Mike Olcott is a freelance writer who lives in Portland and Boston.

Related Stories