This is the primary album associated with Ragman Jones, recorded in 2009/10 — a richly melodic collection of original songs rooted in acoustic/folk-rock and singer-songwriter traditions. The album was co-produced with Brian Bannister and recorded with collaborators at The Old Post Office, Studio, Stretton & Sky Lab Studio, Jewellery Quarter Birmingham.

A mix of personal, poetic lyrics with melodic guitar work and band arrangements. Tracks include songs like Here It Is, She’s a Mocking Bird, The Last Breath, Medicate Me, Beautiful World, and more. Many of which explore love, loss, reflection, and the beauty and confusion of life. The record often blends acoustic storytelling with subtle instrumentation (mandolin, piano, flugelhorn, strings) reflecting a lyrical folk/roots sensibility. This album shows Ragman Jones as a true songwriter, someone who crafts earnest, lived-in songs with emotional depth. 

Released April 29, 2010, All songs written by Nicolas C James

Guitar & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Lead Guitars – Steve Turner, Tom Livemore, Richard Austin, Andy Pell & Tariq Quadri
Bass – Simon Smith, Spike Barker & Carlos Sanchez
Drums & Percussion – Ryann Snow
Banjos & Mandolins – The Mandolin Brothers
Backing Vocals – Sarah Barrington, Brian Bannister & Sharon Lewis
Strings – Salene
Rhodes – Steve Turner & Sharon Lewis
Piano – Charlotte James
Fluegelhorn – Aaron Diaz

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Brian Bannister & Nicolas C James
Some bass tracks recorded by Tom Livemore & Simon Smith at 1738 wilcox Los Angeles CA
My my my – Recorded at Skylab studios, Birmingham, engineered by Andy Taylor

Cover artwork – Nicolas C James & Cover photo by Paul Ward
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2010 Nicolas C James – All rights reserved

1. Where I Gotta Crawl – 4:05
2. Pick It Up – 2:46
3. If I Could – 3:50
4. High & Low – 3:29
5. I Saw Mary (Sitting in a Tree) – 2:43
6. She’s a Mockingbird – 3:41
7. My My My – 4:02
8. How Long – 2:53
9. Close to a River – 1:32
10. Precious Time – 3:51
11. Medicate Me – 4:11
12. The Last Breath – 4:49
13. My Guiding Light – 2:37
14. Before the Snow – 2:17
15. Beautiful World – 3:38
16. Shoot Me Back Up – 3:34
17. Doodla Do Doo – 2:04
18. Here It Is – 3:29 

---