James Krueger - Biography

James Krueger's music grows out of his love for rural America as gracefully and tenaciously as the first spring flowers. Ranging in theme from the frustrations of small town isolation, the destructive encroach of the city on open space, and the high peace of wandering alone in the wilderness, James' songs are mostly an ardent celebration of the redemptive power of nature.

Said to “probe beneath the surface of seemingly simple topics” (Rambles Magazine), he has been called an “extraordinarily talented writer with a real talent for poetic imagery” (Great American Song Contest Judges). With a consummate musicianship and a sharp sense for poetry, James' songs instinctively remind us of the mystery and beauty of the natural world without ever preaching.

Born in 1970 to two teachers, James began writing and performing his own music at the age of fifteen. After dropping out of high school at age seventeen, he went on to earn a BA in the Humanities with a Minor in Writing and Literature, and an MA in Gerontology and Long-Term Care Management. James is committed to rural life in the Central Catskill Mountains of NY State, birthplace of the Hudson River School of Art which sanctified the Catskills as "America's first wilderness." There, he is part-time director of a small town community center. He has found the steep, densely forested slopes and dark cloves of the Catskills the perfect setting to continue refining his rootsy, Americana songwriting style which is quickly winning the hearts of audiences throughout the northeastern US.

James is available to perform interpretive concerts that deal with nature and the environment, Catskill Mountain history and lore, or to just offer audiences an energetic evening of beautiful songs, compelling poetry and fun stories. He has entertained for the North American Bluebird Society, the Sierra Club, The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s Environmental Center, The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, The New York Maple Growers’ Association, National Artists for Mental Health, The Thendara Mountain Club, The Hunter Mountain Foundation’s Mountain Culture Festival, and more. James tours the eastern US appearing in performing arts centers, clubs, coffeehouses, nature centers, museums, libraries and private homes, and is a two-time honor award winner in the Great American Song Contest.

James' repertoire consists of four solo albums, including his latest CD "Live in Denver, NY". His music radiates the inspirations of traditional folk while remaining contemporary and original. Listeners hear pop, Americana, and even classical influences in his recordings and performance. James has often been compared to James Taylor, John Denver, Townes Van Zandt and Garnet Rogers.