Joshua James released his new album Build Me This in September to excellent reviews. In his review of James’ album when it was XPN’s Featured Album recently, XPN’s Mike Vasilikos said: “singer-songwriter Joshua James may be more an artist than he is simply a musician. As you listen to his new album it’s evident that his compositions take shape more as musical portraits than just plain songs. Noticeable from the start is that James has no tolerance for simplicity. And at the same time, James seems unwilling to compromise his full vision. Each song is executed remarkably; from the instrumentation to the production to the songwriting James stresses every nuance.”

This week Joshua takes over the XPN blog with some notes from the field, where he is currently on tour through the end of November.

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Another experience to grow from.

TWO (grow from this or die trying)

We should start this off by saying that in an instant everything changes.
Just like THAT!
We made it to sound check on time in Champaign, IL in late September.
The crowd was humble but kind.
We stayed at a couchsurfer’s house.
Their dog would not STOP biting.
It was bound to be a bad night of sleep.
We had a radio show in Ann Arbor, MI in the morning.
We had our alarm set for 5am.
Ring, Ring.
We were up, in the van, and started out of Champaign.
We pulled on to the freeway when a burst of bright yellow light came from the back right side of the van.
We were sure that it was an officer pulling us over.
As we were pulling to the side of the road we saw in the rearview mirror that the burst of light was most definitely not an officer but rather a fire that was rapidly consuming the rear wheel well.
No one had a clue of what action to take to save the van.
All that was going through the mind was FIRE.
We ran into the field afraid that the van was to blow up and leave our belongings in flames.
I can’t describe the fear.
Just as soon as we had made it to the field for safety we noticed a McDonalds diesel behind us.
The man behind the wheel was already running towards the van full speed.
Fire extinguisher in hand.
He dove beneath the van and within 30 seconds put the flames to sleep.
He was heroic,
Amazing,
Gone?
Just as fast as he had appeared the man behind the wheel was gone.
He ran back to his diesel and pulled right back onto the freeway.
We were astounded,
Intoxicated,
ALIVE!
Oh lordy, lordy. It was incredible.
My description is mediocre at best.

CURRENT WHEREABOUTS.

We played in Baltimore, MD last night.
We met the kindest, most warmhearted people after the show.
They invited us to their home for Pumpkin Pancakes and Chai Tea.
We could NEVER resist.
Nor should we.
We ate and drank through the night.
It was one for the books.
We just need more experience.
Please don’t hesitate any longer.

To the moon!

Joshua & the Great Northplatte