Electronic Press Kit
Will James
Will James is a blues and folk musician based in London, originally from Devon. Over the past several years, he has established himself as one of the standout names on the London blues scene, earning a reputation as one of the UK's finest contemporary blues exports.
In 2020, James caught the attention of five-time Grammy Award-winning producer John Wooler, who was drawn to his distinctive and modern interpretation of the blues. The collaboration led to an invitation to record in Los Angeles, culminating in the release of his album Sundancer in 2022.
The album achieved international success, reaching No. 1 on the USA Soul Blues Album Chart in 2023, and received widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt songwriting, soulful musicianship, and fresh take on traditional blues.
In recent years, Will has toured extensively across the UK with his band, further cementing his reputation as one of the country's most compelling live performers. In 2023, he supported John Illsley of Dire Straits at the Smoked & Uncut Festival, and in 2025 completed a successful European tour, introducing his music to an even wider audience.
With a brand-new album set for release later this year and a European tour already scheduled for 2027, Will James continues to build momentum both at home and abroad. Combining authentic blues roots with folk influences and a contemporary edge, he has established himself as one of the most exciting voices in British blues, with a career that continues to go from strength to strength.
Notable performances:
Smoked and Uncut festival — Peggy's Skylight — Green Man Festival — Barfly — Troubadour — Blues Kitchen — Green Note — 02 Academy Islington — Aint Nothin But Blues — Crazy Coqs — The Mint (Los Angeles) — BB Kings (Memphis)
Reviews:
“Here’s a man who hones his influences expertly to create an inspired collection of modern blues. This release may have been launched in a pub in Islington but recording it in Hollywood under the empathetic control of producer John Wooler was a masterstroke, subtly finding the heart of James’ talents as a singer and lead guitarist.”
Blues in Britain Jan 2023 Issue 253
— John Bottomlet
Blues Blast Magazine NY August 17th Issue 17-33
“His guitar playing is subtle and clever, often weaving between and adding emphasis to the vocal line, as on "6up", which features a nice double-time ending. "Pack It Up" has an irresistible funk groove and neat guitar riff and a reverb-laden solo that sounds like a jazz master playing blues over a funk song”.
"Q Blues" highlights James' electric slide guitar playing, while the galloping "Where's My Baby?" features a scorching sax solo from McConkey.”
— Rhys "Lightnin'" Williams
“One word I seldom use to describe a blues album is ‘suave’, but that sums up the new Will James. A cross between the blues and a cool jazz sensibility,Sundancer caught me off guard. Infectious elements of jazz, soul and rock & roll 60’s and 70’s style, it’s refreshing.”
The Rock Doctor John Kereiff
— John Kereiff
Social links:Assorted media:
Love Lullaby ft Ella Clayton
Bedroom in a Bag
Rocking the Boat
Statesboro Blues
Wheres My Baby
