SXSW 2010: Joshua James @ The Parish
Posted by: nick
Joshua James hails from Nebraska. He’s 25 and very talented. We caught him at The Parish on Day 2 of SXSW. In the crowd we chatted to someone who’d not heard of Joshua before this festival but was now watching him for the third time. Tonight it’s easy to see why he could have such an effect.
For Fans Of: Neil Young, Bright Eyes, The White Stripes.
Operating live as a three-piece Joshua takes care of acoustic guitar and vocals with a standard microphone and some sort of vocoder for lack of a more technically detailed description. Then there’s a percussionist with a minimal drum kit and a guitarist who also adds some backing vocals. Songs from Joshua’s ‘Build Me This’ album performed on the night include gorgeous gospel tinged track ‘Cold War’ and rockier numbers ‘Mother Mary’ and ‘Black July’.
Joshua’s voice sounds great – like a Bright Eyes for people who can’t get past all that vibrato – and he really throws his slight frame around the stage.
A performer of the highest order, happily recommended.
Josh is great. We’re lucky to have him here in Provo. He did an amazing version of “Green Grass” by Tom Waits for the Occidental Saloon. You should check it out.