Ragman Jones.

Ragman Jones, is the band & project name for British songwriter Nick ‘Skip’ James.

James has previously been shortlisted for Grammy awards positions for two songs, Precious Time (from the album of the same name) & Beautiful World (also taken from the album Precious Time).

‘Ragman Jones brings credible music to the table,
with the kind of songs that are crafted with caring hands and experience.

As a musician I compose and write songs. As a songwriter I am: Ragman Jones. My first recordings were with legendary producer, friend and mentor Bob Lamb. It was a gift, 4 songs on my 24th birthday. I have yet to find the recordings to release! They did exist on some form of digital tape, although they were recorded on 24 track analog tape. The musicians became friends, Bob was on drums, Jimmy Simpson on bass (notably the drummer for UFO) and Brett Wilde on guitar, backing me up as if I were able to play… All while I timidly strummed my acoustic guitar and sang.

After this I recorded a number of Ep’s (still not released) and then, although released as Ragman Jones, became a part of a band (TCP). The albums and an EP recorded with Tom Newman (Tubular’s Bells producer & Virgin Records founder) are not released yet either. one collection of TCP tracks – World on a String, is available on Spotify. TCP core members were Nick ‘Skip’ James, Steve Turner, Ryann Snow & Tom Livemore. Other members of TCP were Spike Barker & Simon Smith with contributions from Jo Hamilton & Carina Round.

All my music is available through most streaming & download services, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Bandcamp, YouTube etc.

Albums

Precious Time

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

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

World on a String

World on a String is one of Ragman Jones’s official albums, and while earlier work it continues his signature blend of acoustic-led, singer-songwriter material, grounded in folk, roots and melodic storytelling. Recorded essentially as TCP (Steve Turner, Ryann Snow & Tom Livemore) at Bishops Wood House in 2012. (See bands below)

World on a String sits alongside Ragman Jones’s other albums that showcase his consistent voice as a songwriter rather than chasing commercial trends. It provides a cohesive listening experience for fans of acoustic roots music and thoughtful lyrics.Released in August 2012, World on a String captures Ragman Jones’s warm, folk inflected songwriting and organic acoustic production in a ten-track collection that’s both lyrical and grounded; a record for listeners who cherish honest voice and melodic depth. The album reflects Ragman’s skill with melody, lyric and acoustic instrument interplay, with songs that feel personal and direct. Themes often explore identity, relationships and life’s simple but resonant moments, characteristic of his earlier work. Production supports the emotional tone of the songs without heavy studio gloss, keeping the focus on performance and feel.

Note: See below in Bands – and note that, as TCP, new archived recordings will be mixed, mastered & released as soon as possible

Released August 10, 2012, All songs written by Nicolas C James/TCP

Guitars & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Lead Guitars – Steve Turner, Tom Livemore
Bass – Tom Livemore & Steve Tuner
Drums & Percussion – Ryann Snow
Keyboards – Steve Turner, Tom Livemore & Nicolas C James

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Tom Livemore & TCP

Cover photo by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2012 TAX Records/TCP/Nicolas C James – all rights reserved

1. World On a String – 5:32
2. Vera – 6:16
3. Plastikle Magikal – 3:25
4. I Don’t Know Why – 3:31
5. Girl Interrupted – 3:59
6. Cupid – 3:04
7. Dead Man Walking – 4:48
8. Chewing Gum & Rage – 3:39
9. Badbug Strange – 3:36
10. Boy from the Stars – 4:17

Everybody Digs Ragman Jones

A warm, groove-driven collection of folk-blues songs that wears its heart lightly and its craft effortlessly. Everybody Digs Ragman Jones is a loose-limbed, warm-blooded collection of songs that leans into groove, character, and lived-in storytelling. It’s an album that doesn’t chase perfection; it trusts feel, timing, and human presence. Built around acoustic foundations, relaxed rhythms, and melodic hooks that arrive without forcing themselves, the record carries Ragman Jones’s signature blend of folk, blues, and roots songwriting. The songs feel communal, as if they’ve already been played in kitchens, back rooms, and late-night gatherings before ever being recorded. The album’s title Everybody Digs Ragman Jones — evokes a relaxed confidence and an appreciation for Ragman’s craft that feels communal and sincere Unlike highly polished commercial records, this album feels rooted in musicianship and narrative honesty. Its songs don’t chase trends; they instead invite listeners into Ragman’s world of melody, observation, and musical conversation, much like his other albums known on streaming services (Precious Time, World on a String, Me, The Moon & Melody).

Lyrically, the album moves between humour, tenderness, and quiet observation. There’s an ease to it — a sense that nothing is being proved. These are songs that sit comfortably in their own skin, allowing space for listeners to lean in rather than be led. Everybody Digs Ragman Jones isn’t loud about what it is. It simply plays, listens back, and smiles. It captures his early songwriting and performance style in an organic, roots‑infused collection of songs. This mix of shorter tunes and longer, more exploratory pieces suggests an album that balances folk storytelling with extended musical moments, allowing Ragman’s voice and instrumental interplay room to breathe. Everybody Digs Ragman Jones reflects the musical identity Ragman Jones has cultivated across his recordings: with songs that feel conversational, reflective, and grounded in personal experience. A blend of folk, blues, and traditional song forms, evident in titles like “Tom Brown Blues” and “Rainy Night (Ode to Shelby)” While extended tracks such as Between the Sea suggest a willingness to explore atmospheric or improvisational space as part of the album’s flow.

Released April 29, 2014, All songs written by Nicolas C James

Guitars & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Lead Guitars – Steve Turner & Nicolas C James
Bass – Nicolas C James
Drums & Percussion – Ryann Snow
Keyboards – Nicolas C James

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2014 Nicolas C James – all rights reserved

Roll On By – 03:27
Wooden Box – 02:49
Round & Round She Spins – 03:56
Making Time (Tom Brown Blues) – 04:27
Give It to You Freely – 05:14
I Feel So Good – 03:30
Between the Sea – 13:13
Fisher of Men – 03:28
My Love – Exts.a – 07:14
Thirsty – 04:39
With No Witness – 05:21
Rainy Night (Ode to Shelby) – 08:36

Me, The Moon & Melody

Me, The Moon & Melody Released May 2, 2023 blends elements of blues, folk, and roots songwriting with an intimate, almost conversational performance style. The tracklist blends fleshed‑out songs with shorter interludes, creating a paced listening experience that feels both reflective and narrative in flow. Lyrics are introspective and poetic, often grounded in mood and observation rather than narrative story arcs. Organic acoustic textures set the foundation. Interludes act as atmospheric pauses, giving the record a meditative, almost cinematic rhythm between full songs.

This isn’t an album driven by commercial gloss; it’s rooted in feeling and voice, with subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics that reflect an artistic sensibility more than a chart‑driven imperative. Me, The Moon & Melody feels like a late‑night conversation; gentle, unhurried, and rich in reflective detail. The title track leads with an evocative sense of longing and lyrical charm, setting the tone for an album that rests comfortably between introspective blues and poetic acoustic songwriting. Interludes serve as breathers that enrich the narrative arc of the record, lending a sense of movement across mood spaces rather than strict genre compartments. Tracks like Sometimes and Move On Up & Out showcase deeper grooves and fuller arrangements, while closer and quieter moments like Finding Out emphasise emotional intimacy. This album will resonate best with listeners who enjoy: singer‑songwriter and folk‑influenced blues poetic lyricism over production flash & music that feels lived‑in and personal It’s not background music — it’s music that invites you to listen closely and linger.

Released May 2, 2023, All songs written by Nicolas C James

All instrumentation & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Cello – Alison Bann

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2023 Nicolas C James – all rights reserved

Me, The Moon & Melody – 4:02
Interlude – 4:23
Sometimes – 5:56
It’s Love – 2:42
Interlude 2 – 0:59
Country Walk – 2:37
Interlude 3 – 1:41
Finding Out – 2:40
Move On Up & Out – 6:32

Me, The Sun & Harmony

Me, The Sun & Harmony, release as a counter-part to Me, The Moon & Melody, May 2, 2023, is a contemplative, acoustic-inflected album from Ragman Jones that blends full-length songs with atmospheric interludes to create a musical narrative. Its song titles evoke themes of memory, love, wind, and emotional reflection; painting a picture of quiet introspection and organic performance that’s characteristic of Ragman’s folk-rooted songwriting A thoughtfully arranged collection from singer-songwriter Ragman Jones, Me, The Sun & Harmony weaves melodic storytelling with reflective interludes to create an intimate listening journey of wind-touched emotion and poetic nuance.

The track-list suggests an introspective, narrative mood album with full songs bookended by shorter interludes. Me, The Sun & Harmony specifically, based on its track names and how Ragman Jones’s music is generally categorised: Expect a strong lyric focus with an acoustic centrepiece. Titles like Dreamtime for My Love & Me and That Wind Will Blow suggest atmosphere and emotional contemplation. The presence of multiple interludes gives the album a story thread quality; perhaps moving listeners through different moods or thematic shifts. The inclusion of these spaces is similar to Me, The Moon & Melody, which also used interludes to pace the album. Me, The Sun & Harmony appears to be part of a later phase in Ragman Jones’s creative output; alongside other recorded works from his mature songwriting period. The structure suggests this is a conceptually cohesive album rather than just a collection of singles.

Released May 2, 2023, All songs written by Nicolas C James

All instrumentation & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Cello – Alison Bann

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2023 Nicolas C James – all rights reserved

Introduction – 05:51
No Eye Dear – 04:28
Interlude – 02:30
That Wind Will Blow – 03:56
Interlude 2 – 02:15
You May Never Hear – 04:21
Mercy, Let Me Be – 03:12
Interlude 3 – 01:41
Dreamtime for My Love & Me – 03:55

Ragman Jones, Live

A live recording collection featuring performance versions of songs like My My My, She’s a Mockingbird, Give Your Love to Me, Beautiful World, The Last Breath and more. These appear on streaming services as a live set attributed to his name. Ragman Jones (Live) is a live album recording by Ragman Jones that collects performance versions of some of his well‑loved songs delivered in an intimate, organic setting. This album showcases his raw performance energy, stripped‑back feel, and connection with the audience, highlighting his strength as a live performer as well as a songwriter. Authentic live presence: You hear the songs as they happen in the moment, with less studio production and more room for expression.

Each track retains the song’s core character but with subtle variations and natural energy that only live versions can deliver. It provides an intimate atmosphere: The live versions often feel closer and more immediate than studio recordings; ideal for listeners who enjoy hearing how songs breathe in performance. This set is a great showcase of Ragman’s folk/roots songwriting in a live context, emphasising the human connection of performance over polished studio sound. The live set includes nine tracks, all labeled Live, indicating they were recorded in concert or in a live session rather than in a studio.

Recorded during 2015/16 and released in 2025, All songs written by Nicolas C James

Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Guitar & Banjo – Tariq Quadri
Guitar, Lap Steel & Piano – Andy Pell
Double Bass – Chas West

Produced, & mixed Nicolas C James

Cover artwork by Nicolas C James, original photo uncredited
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2023 Nicolas C James – all rights reserved

My My My (Live) – 04:16
She’s A Mockingbird (Live) – 03:34
I Saw Mary (Live) – 04:55
Tall Tales (Live) – 02:55
Give Your Love To Me (Live) – 03:12
Beautiful World (Live) – 03:56
The Last Breath (Live) – 05:27
Sea Of Time (Live) – 02:27
Be My Wrecking Ball (Live) – 03:54

Bands

Solarflares

In the 1990s I was one of the founder members of a Solarflares not the modern Japanese Spotify artist Solar Flares. The 90s band Solar Flares is documented in music history and Ragman Jones was a guitarist & vocalist with them from conception until the band split. Other members included, Guitar: Steve Turner, Vocals & Bass: Roberto Dell’Era, Keyboards: Richard ‘Tabby’ Tabbera & Drums: Ryann Snow. The band was formed after Love Trip split up & Ragman Jones joined them to form Solarflares. There was a it buzz about the band with audiences & labels alike.

The English band Solarflares formed in Birmingham during the mid-90s music scene. This places Solarflares within the 1990s UK indie/rock context, performing live in Birmingham during that period at indie & underground gig circuits, Performing live and recording; although not all material was officially released at the time. We began an album which started out as a 4 track cassette:

Solarflares EP 1997 – Cassette recording – Solarfares were:

Roberto Dell’Era – Bass & vocals
Steve Turner – Lead guitar
Ryann Snow – Drums
Richard ‘Tabby’ Tabbera – Keyboards, vocals & flute
Ragman Jones – Rhythm guitar & vocals
with:
Jo Hamilton – Strings
Tom Livemore – Engineer

TCP/Twenty Cent Platypus

Twenty Cent Platypus, Ragman Jones, World on a String Album artwork, music and design, Nicolas C James

Twenty Cent Platypus formed in 1998 after the split of Solarflares. The three founding members were Ragman Jones, Steve Turner & Ryann Snow. bass players included Simon Smith, Spike Barker and finally joining the band Tom Livemore. Notably one show with Leftfeild created a huge momentum which spurred the band to play extensively around the UK; notable with bars, venues & universities. With a growing critical acclaim from student reviews and industry bods, The and began an album with Tom Newman (Tubular Bells, Spaceman & Mike Oldfeild) also a songwriter with experimental leanings. The album began and a deal was on the table, a single recorded – Boy from the Stars – and a support tour with Hawkwind all in the mix things were looking good! Making a video for the single halted proceedings as the A&R rep that was working the deal was no longer with his label. Lemmy, had an argument with Hawkwind about equipment and the tour was cancelled and the opening gig at Brixton Academy didn’t happen.

While listed above ‘World on a String is credited to Ragman Jones it is, essentially, a TCP album but was released as the name ‘Ragman Jones’ had gained some momentum in the UK & USA. There are other recordings that require mastering and releasing, including the beginning of the album that was started with Tom Newman. A great deal of thanks should go out here to: Sonic Music Team, Simon Purton & Penny Lancaster, Palm Pictures Music & Warner Bros., without who none of this would have happened the way it did. It was a joy and a beautifully creative experience.

TCP, new archived recordings will be mixed, mastered & released as soon as possible!!

Released August 10, 2012, All songs written by Nicolas C James/TCP

Cover photo by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2012 TAX Records – all rights reserved

1. World On a String – 5:32
2. Vera – 6:16
3. Plastikle Magikal – 3:25
4. I Don’t Know Why – 3:31
5. Girl Interrupted – 3:59
6. Cupid – 3:04
7. Dead Man Walking – 4:48
8. Chewing Gum & Rage – 3:39
9. Badbug Strange – 3:36
10. Boy from the Stars – 4:17

Dragonflies

Dragonflies is a recording band currently known for their studio effort We’ve Still Got a Long Way to Go. While not widely documented in mainstream discographies or streaming databases, the band holds a place in local and independent music circles for their earnest songwriting, melodic drive and raw studio sound. The album leans heavily to the production of Bob Lamb’s genius work with UB40. Where it was a real art project with hours and hours of tape splicing, sound creation & mixing, carried out by Nicolas C James. This was not only the way the band wanted things it was also as a tribute to Bob. Bob had produced the band Zeka’s Cruise a band formed by Andy Taylor & Richard Austin which Ragman Jones joined as bass player, recording and performing with them for a few years

Dragonflies blends elements of indie rock, alternative melodic sensibilities, and earnest lyrical storytelling. Their music tends toward rich guitar textures, layered harmonies and narratives rooted in personal experience, introspection and resilience; as captured in the thematic heart of We’ve Still Got a Long Way to Go. The band name; evocative of transformation, brief brilliance and delicate motion; mirrors the emotional arc of their record: a sense of ongoing movement and hopeful persistence

We’ve Still Got a Long Way to Go represents Dragonflies’ core recorded statement Released in 2023. The album stands out for its lyrical honesty about growth and perseverance, threaded throughout with musical hooks and ensemble interplay. It serves as the band’s definitive (and debut) studio release and has a cohesive thematic arc: navigating uncertainty, striving forward, and holding onto optimism even when the path isn’t straightforward. It balances introspective balladry with more driving, up-tempo moments and reflects a band in transition; both as musicians and as storytellers. The title itself — We’ve Still Got a Long Way to Go — captures a collective stance of ambition and humility, acknowledging both struggle and the journey ahead. Dragonflies is an indie rock band known for melodic, heartfelt songwriting and the album We’ve Still Got a Long Way to Go, a studio record defined by introspective lyrics and a drive toward musical evolution.

Released April 29, 2023, All songs written by Dragonflies and noted below.

Acoustic Guitars & Vocals – Nicolas C James, Andrew Taylor & Richard Austin
Lead Guitars – Nicolas C James, Andrew Taylor & Richard Austin
Bass, Drums & Keyboards – Nicolas C James

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork by Nicolas C James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2012 Tax Records – all rights reserved

1. The Wire – 02:48 – Taylor
2. Running Away – 03:08 – Austin
3. Tomorrow Today – 04:02 – James
4. Loser Will – 03:52 – Austin
5. Human Race (The same as them) – 04:17 – Taylor
6. Amie – 03:12 – Taylor
7. Slipping Away (No Man) – 03:37 – Austin
8. Mountain Valley – 04:45 – James
9. Rivertown – 03:16 – Taylor
10. Tall Tales – 03:24 – James
11. Sunday Morning – 04:40 – James
12. Gonna Get Thru (Don’t go through anything alone) – 05:23 – Austin

Collaborations

Four Sides of Highbury, Ragman Jones, Studio Photo, Album artwork, music and design, Nicolas C James

There are also recordings where Ragman Jones participated in collaborative sessions or recorded intimate sessions with other musicians, including rare recordings like:

Bob Lamb, various artists as an engineer, artist and contributer – a VERY rare interview here
Thought Gang – Initial recordings at Dr. Martinau’s, Moseley, Birmingham – available here
Jo Hamilton – as a producer and mentor listen here
Plutonik & Caterpilla – co writes for Caterpilla with Plutonik Producer Alan Rowe
Mickey Greaney – unavailable recordings at present but check him out here
Paul Murphy captured in a kitchen setting; less formal but deeply authentic available here
Roland Gift – The Blacks, artwork & musical/life discussions – Listen to The Blacks here
Louise Osborne – Leap (a short film) of which I scored and wrote songs – find it here
John Napier & Line Managers – available on cassette and Spotify
Frequensator – available from all streaming services, including Spotify

These kinds of recordings spotlight the storytelling and informal folk tradition in which Ragman often operates; music rooted in conversation, sharing, and friendship. With an increasing awareness of his skills for production and mixing, Nicolas C James is available for mixing, production & mastering – please contact for more info.

Extended Players

Up Bushbury Mountain

Up Bushbury Mountain blends reflective storytelling with warm, acoustic-rooted performance. Across the eight tracks above, Ragman Jones moves through themes of love, loss, movement and introspection, balancing melodic intimacy with emotional depth. This release sits comfortably between his earlier folk-rooted work and his more introspective, atmospheric material, showcasing both lyrical subtlety and breadth of feeling.

A warm, intimate set of songs rooted in movement and emotion, Up Bushbury Mountain finds Ragman Jones weaving melodic folk sensibilities with reflective lyricism, offering a journey through longing, connection and quiet revelation. A warm, intimate set of songs rooted in movement and emotion, Up Bushbury Mountain finds Ragman Jones weaving melodic folk sensibilities with reflective lyricism, offering a journey through longing, connection and quiet revelation. Many of this songs EP are co-written or written by Brian bannister – of The Bushbury Mountain Daredevils, the songs were co-produced where mentioned:

Released January 1, 2010, All songs written by Nicolas C James – except where noted below.

Guitar & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Lead Guitars – Steve Turner, Tom Livemore, Richard Austin, Andy Pell & Tariq Quadri
Bass – Simon Smith, Spike Barker, Buzby Bywater & Carlos Sanchez
Drums & Percussion – Ryann Snow, John Large
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
Accordion – Chris Hall

Be My Wrecking Ball – 4:11 – Bannister/James
Anywhere – 3:26 – Bannister
Give Your Love to Me – 3:12 – Bannister
Between Nowhere & Goodbye – 3:58 – Bannister
A Little Lovin’ – 3:35 – Chris Hall
High & Low (Alternative Version) – 1:46 – James
The Last Breath (Alternative Version) – 3:55 – James
When Darkness Falls – 3:39 – James

Leave In Style

Leave in Style is a restrained, emotionally direct song about departure, dignity and knowing when to let go. Rather than dramatising loss, it approaches leaving as an act of self-respect; calm, measured and deliberate. The song carries a quiet confidence, favouring clarity over conflict.

Musically, it’s understated and intimate, allowing the lyric to lead. There’s a sense of resolve running through the track, balanced by warmth and humanity. Leave in Style feels less like an ending and more like a conscious step forward; unforced, honest and grounded.

Released April 17, 2013, All songs written by Nicolas C James

Guitars & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Guitars – Tariq Quadri
Bass – Spike Barker
Drums & Percussion – Ryann Snow

Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork – Nicolas C James – Original painting by artist Paul McKenna
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2013 Nicolas C James – All rights reserved

Busted
Rattlesnake
Leave in Style
Mountain Valley
Where Life Begins
Gypsy Jam

Simpler Times

Simpler Times is a quietly nostalgic release that looks back without idealising the past. The songs move at an unhurried pace, allowing space for memory, warmth and reflection. Rather than longing for what’s gone, the record sits with what remains; small moments, emotional clarity, and the pull of familiarity.

Musically, it stays close to acoustic roots, favouring intimacy over polish. The arrangements are light and human, supporting lyrics that feel conversational and lived-in. Simpler Times captures a sense of pause: a step away from noise, towards something honest and gently grounded.

Released August 10, 2012, All songs written by Nicolas C James

All Instruments & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork – Nicolas C James – Cover photo – Paul Ward
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2012 Nicolas C James – All rights reserved

You’re My Love Too
Everything I have
Simpler Times
River’s Edge
With No Witness (alt.version)

Singles

Christmas in Heaven

Christmas in Heaven is a tender, reflective song that approaches the Christmas theme from a place of remembrance rather than celebration. Stripped of sentimentality, it holds space for absence, love and quiet longing. The song feels intimate and unguarded, offering a gentle meditation on those who are no longer present, while still honouring warmth, connection and grace.

Rather than festive excess, the focus is on stillness and emotional truth; a Christmas song for listening rather than spectacle.

Released November 4, 2024, All songs written by Nicolas C James

All Instruments & Vocals – Nicolas C James
Produced, recorded, mixed & engineered Nicolas C James

Cover artwork – Nicolas C James, Cover photo – Toby James
All musical & artistic content copyright © 2024 Nicolas C James – All rights reserved

01. Christmas in Heaven
02. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen