Review: Nathan James – Intuition
Nathan James – Intuition
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Sacred Cat Recordings
Release: 2026
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
Nathan James is well-known for his work with James Harman, who took him under his wings and on the road when he was only very young. What would Nathan’s mother have said when James stood on the doorstep asking if he could do so? Sadly, Judy James passed away not long ago, so she is unable to tell the story.
Nathan dedicated his new album ‘Intuition’ to his mother. The title refers to a lesson his mom taught him, namely to trust it always. Ten all original songs on this album. Nathan almost literally did everything to create the music; drums, percussion, bass, double bass, guitars, hammond, banjo, mixing and mastering. Oh yeah, and he sings too, made the album cover himself and put it out on his Scared Cat Recordingslabel. BTW, he builds his own guitars too. Incredible. Ross Garren added additional keys and harmonica and Carl Sonny Leyland plays piano on two songs.
Fans who know Nathan from his work with James Harman and Kim Wilson might be a bit surprised here. Nathan is an excellent blues player, but his solo work is so much more than that. It is American roots music created by a temporary musician. His songs are personal and his production is a blend of old-school and modern sound engineering.
After the pandemic, due to a series of life changes (including the passing away of his mother) Nathan relocated from the Southern California coast to the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains. Here, he found solace and new inspiration for new music the result of which you hear on this album.
How did the change of scenery impact his songwriting?
“Well, the scenery of the mountains and the history of western films kinda got me in the direction of country music on some. Also, just being their during my hardships had an impact.”
Songs are arranged with taste and it is remarkable that Nathan plays almost everything. How much freedom can a man have? There are indeed country influences (Now and Then, Wish You Well), stroll (I Didn’t Listen), footstompin’ (Doubtful Heart) and a lot more. The album is a great melting pot of American music, there is just so much to listen too.
The record (also on LP) will be released January 16 2026, but you might already get a CD when you approach Nathan directly https://www.nathandjames.com
Recommended!
Tracks:
01. Return To Lonely
02. Winding Out
03. Sweep It Under The Bug
04. Hear What I’m Saying
05. Doubtful Heart
06. Intuition
07. Twist Of Fate
08. I Didn’t Listen
09. Now And Then
10. Wish You Well
Website: https://www.nathandjames.com/