James Riley

Hi im James and im a Guitarist. Im currently living in Dublin, Ireland since November 2007 after a 8 and a half year stint in New York playing, touring and recording with some of the top Traditional Irish groups and solo artists around.

I was raised in Ballyfermot, Dublin and from the womb my father (Kit Riley) was and is the biggest influence i have. I grew up with such a large range of music in the house at all times with regular fireside sessiuns with Da and the uncles. I also watched my father top the bill at most venues before he decided to throw in the towel to raise a family of 6. Both my parents always pushed us all to be only what we wanted to be and not settle for anything less. Thats what I choose to do (musically that is).

I suppose the earliest memory I have of my intrest in music would be, while still in nappies, my father would sit me on his knee and record me into an old midi tape deck. Little did I know, years later these tapes would be used to bring out one's red facial features amongst company. Music was always huge in the house.

Andy Irvine was always a big influence also (My fathers favourite). I couldnt believe so much music could come out of just 1 instrument. Little did I know that in my teens he would open up such a huge circle of musicians that one could only learn from. (Paul Brady, Dick Gaughan, Arty McGlynn jast to name a few).

When I was about 15 I met Jon Hicks. He showed me a whole new influential approach to the Guitar that blew my mind at that time so i studied and kept studying up to 12 hours a day. I had also started listening and learning from the great John Doyle (Solas,Liz Carroll, Eileen Ivers) at this time. I just couldnt get enough of that stuff. Niamh Parsons was and still is a powerhouse of vocal inspiration for me also, again with fine words of wisdom over the years and a song for every occasion. With such incredible musicians around to learn from one could only turn what was a hobby into a full time career. It was made so enjoyable for me.

Also at that age a great banjo player (Stephen Leech) would give me gigs at Oliver St. John Gogartys in Temple Bar, Dublin. I ended up gigin there up to 7 days a week. He always had the highest respect when it came to the ability the young musicians at that time were carrying and was only too willing to help bring it out. They were good times.

Then in 2000 I went to St Louis for a month of gigs at John D. Mcgurks after which I purchased a ticket to New York, not having a clue what to expect. New York was always the land of dreams to me and I went there with high expectations. Little did I know how long it would take to fulfill these expectations. After about a year and a half I met a great Button Accordionist (John Redmond) who introduced me to John Doyle. Doyle had me playing with Solas and Eileen Ivers in no time at all and in the end I toured with the Eileen Ivers band for 6 years before pulling out and heading back to the New York home scene.

Then I recorded my first solo album with the help of my best friends Isaac Alderson(Flute & Pipes) and John Walsh(Guitar & all sorts of stringed instruments). Myself and Isaac had been hanging out and touring for about 5 years and John and myself had some sweet twin guitar gigs in New York at the time also. They were more than willing to help put my project together. (thanks to AJ. Roach for Grandaddy and Jon Hicks for the Olderlands)

Also at that time I was playing with Jamesons Revenge. Myself and Fiddler Dennis Mcarthy hit it off and he asked me if i would be interested in being a part of a project he was putting together. If you have heard Dennis play then you know I couldnt say no.(Check out the album at www.jamesonsrevenge.com also on www.myspace.com/jamesonsrevenge). Walshy and Isaac (Groggy) were also hugely involved in this project along with lots of other good friends, so it was a great time.

In November, 2007 I got a phone call from home that my mother (Kay Riley) had passed away suddenly so of course I moved back to Dublin.

Now Im working on my 2nd Album and have a couple other projects in hand with some great friends. Ill keep ye posted on each as they are completed.

Im very grateful for where I am and what I have accomplished over the years and look forward to continuing and pushing forward on the music scene.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Happy Dayzzz.

James Riley.

www.jamesrileymusic.com

www.myspace.com/jamesrileyguitar.



tunes with Dave Mcnevin (Banjo) & Isaac Groggy Alderson (Flute).