Glasgow, Scotland, UK (Top40 Charts/ Vinnie
James Official Website) - Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and ex-RCA/BMG recording artist Vinnie
James has announced the Valentine's Day release of his new album, "Songs for the Long Journey,"
After a hiatus of more than a decade, the much anticipated new album marks the next level in the evolution of this respected songwriter, and is proving among critics, to be a strong and welcome follow-up to James' highly touted RCA/BMG debut, "All American Boy."
"I've worked very hard to make this album bristle with the same intensity and depth of songwriting as my RCA debut, and the critics seem to think I've hit the mark," said James. "This is a momentous time in my career as it gives me the opportunity to showcase my continued development as a songwiter and performer. I'm looking forward to the album getting out into the marketplace and into the hands of all those fans of mine who have been waiting patiently for so long for my next album." James continues, "It's been a long hard road, and I'm glad the release date has finally come."
Written, performed and produced by James, "Songs for the Long Journey" is an album full of lyrical and musical surprises. Jim Pipkin, writing for the tastemaker music Web site HickoryWind.org says that "Songs for the Long Jouney is the "work of a lyrical wizard." He goes on to write, "If this CD had already been released, it would have easily made my Top Ten for 2006. I would be very surprised if it doesn't make the cut for 2007."
Maxine Jewett, President of the Southwest Acoustic Music Association, writing an early review of the album had this to say: "'Songs for the Long Journey' is much more than simply a CD; it is an audible work of art. Every cut could stand alone as its own CD, none are similar to the song before or after it. Vinnie James is a master wordsmith, "Homeless Man" is a remarkably poignant tale of compassion by the 'have nots' for those who have even less. Throughout the CD, James' commentary is critical but hopeful and the dynamics of the music are tricky, tricky, tricky. Listen to "County Line". Just when you think you know where this chord is going, he rips the rug out from underneath you. I love it!! 'Songs for the Long Journey' comes out in February, 2007. My advice is buy two copies because you will wear one out."
To help launch this new effort, Vinnie James has launched a branded web site (www.vinniejames.com) and a profile page on MySpace.com (www.myspace.com/vinniejames), and will be working with several industry veterans to bring the new album to the attention of radio, the music press, and his fans. "My first album shipped one hundred and twenty five thousand (125,000) units, so I know I have a lot of fans out there who've been waiting a long time for my next album. We're using every modern tool at our disposal, and looking to form strategic relationships with digital and conventional distributors to ensure that my fans around the world can have easy access to the new album," James says. "We'll be using the power of the Internet, and working closely with companies like CDBaby (CDBaby.co), DigStation (DigStation.com) and Apple's iTunes, along with other major digital distribution outlets such as Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com to ensure that everyone who wants a copy of this new album can have easy access to it worldwide, in the shortest amount of time, and in whatever format best suits their needs." James continues, "I believe the Internet is changing the way listeners buy music, and I want to be as progressive as possible in using this powerful tool. We'll be seeking conventional distribution channels as well, to ensure that stores can also have ready access to the new album."
With tour dates already scheduled in the U.K. and Europe, Vinnie James is planning to build initial momentum for the new album in the U.K. and European markets first. James says, "We had quite a bit of success in Europe with 'All American Boy,' and the European audience has always been very receptive to singer-songwriters." James continues, "I plan to focus my performance efforts on festivals and music conferences initially, and then branch out into major tours as the year progresses. I already have several dates booked and will be actively seeking support spots with other major acts in order to schedule as many dates as possible heading into the summer."
"Songs for the Long Journey" can currently be purchased or previewed at the Vinnie James branded Web site (www.vinniejames.com) or from CDBaby.com, along with all stores serviced by Super-D One-Stop distributors. In the coming weeks, other digital and conventional distributors will be added to this list, including Apple's iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon.com
For more information on Vinnie James and his new release, "Songs for the Long Jouney," or for press or distribution contacts, visit
www.vinniejames.com
