ulian James has been around Melbourne’s live music scene since before he was allowed to drink in bars. The sound of his band ‘Julian James and The Moonshine State' mixes a love of moonshine-drinking finger picking country with the southern swamp wail of a back porch fiddle. Julian has released three well-received albums to date, all of which he’s road tested on frequent laps of our wide brown land.
Recorded at the Star Hotel, Yackandandah on a late February afternoon, the band’s new album 'Live at Star’ features some favorite old timey songs, furious fiddle, finger picking and foot stomping grooves.
The beers were flowing, the sun was shining The Moonshine State was in full flight and you can hear it on every track.
Paying homage to some of the greats like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Jimmy Reed along with more modern influences like The Steve Miller Band ‘Live at The Star’ presents some classics through an Americana lens.
Says Julian of the album
“I was very lucky to base myself for a few months in the town of Yackandandah which just happens to host some of Australia's best pickers. I've really fallen in love with the Americana sound and vibe - that combination of the blues sound and the country twang."
To escape the recent challenges of being a performing artist in these times, Julian has been living in his bus and continues to seek out a good festival, a shady spot and a friendly ear.
'Live at the Star' is available from the 10th July 2022 and can be found all over the internet.