February 2026 Challenge – James B

[James B]

Some of my favorite songs are in the key of D.
I put together four examples of songs in D with cool and interesting guitar accompaniment. I hope you’ll like them as well.

[Raffaele S]

How good James…..wonderful voice…

[Richard G]

I certainly do like them James, yet another sterling performance from you. I hope you’re doing gigs in your local town.

Richard

[charjo]

James, I don’t think your voice has ever sounded better than on “If I Were a Carpenter”. When it started I thought it might be “The Wizard” by Uriah Heap (probably one of your favourite bands😋). Your picking on “Time in a Bottle” and “Moonshadow” was inspiring.
John

[JoeD1]

So beautifully played James. Stellar singing as well.

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[AndréM]

James that was awesome bro.
My favorite is ”Time in a bottle”.

AndréM

AndréM

[Dieter]

Great old-school songs, beautifully performed by you. It really puts me in a nostalgic mood. Everything is just perfect.

Dieter

[Michael Krailo]

That’s some great pickin’ James. Of course, the singing is outstanding as well. Total package.

Did anyone else hear the cricket @1:24 right between the fist two songs?

I always want to sing using John Denver’s voice on that Rocky Mountain High song, and it sounds strained, so your way is much better staying in your own voice’s range. John had such a good singing voice.

Geeze, this turned out to be a mini concert. I loved that Cat Steven’s song “Moon Shadow”. That’s such a great song that is not easy to play and sing well, you did great with it. You have that sort of voice for it.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Denise]

I love all these beautiful songs. Moonlight shadow is one of all time favorite songs.
Thank you James.

More Blues!

[sciencefiction]

Awesome playing, James. And great vocals. That Time in A Bottle looked like it would be hard to play, but you handled it with no problem.
Another fantastic performance.
Thanks for posting–Great!
Larry

[JoLa]

How awesome, James – you gave us a nice little concerto in D!
Just when I was wondering how you could coordinate playing chords, licks, and singing at the same time so well, you broke into the “Time in A Bottle” song that is known to be a real challenge to play even on its own! Well, I really enjoyed the song samples you showcased for us, hope you’ll do something similar again! Bravo!

🎸JoLa

[Guido]

Great collection of songs samples in D, beautifully and masterfully played and sung, James. I agree with Richard, your renditions are stage ready!

All the 4 songs are great, but I’m personally attached to Jim Croce’s “Time in a bottle” and John Denver’s “Rocky mountain high”.

Guido

[Alan L]

What a great showcase. So well played!

I especially liked the little runs in time in a bottle

[John H]

I agree with Charjo- “If i were a Carpenter” tuggs at my soul. Your voice at its best. Very well done James. Love every second of this mini concert in D. Tres evocative.

John

[Bill]

Bravo James! All were wonderful but I really loved the Carpenter song with the drop D tuning and your finger picking to boot. Great performances like this are sure to give everyone a high, whether in the Rockies or not.

[Manfred M]

You’re a walking jukebox, James.
And this time, you’re treating us to four songs. Listening to your guitar and your voice is always a highlight of the challenges. You always have such interesting takes on well-known songs.
How about an online concert sometime?

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be on February 28, 2026

For more information click here

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Mark T]

Beautiful playing and singing once again from you, James – another polished and professional performance. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[snakechisler]

Your timing and singing appear to get better with every challenge

One of your best
thanks for sharing

[Martin W]

Hi James , that’s a fine medley of classic tunes you’ve performed for us
Vocals and the intricate finger style was so good
All four were excellent renditions, if I had to pick one i agree with the other comments, “ if I was a carpenter “ is a standout especially with the drone of the Drop D tuning.

Martin

[Pap]

Wow James, those were fantastic choices for this challenge. I love Johnny Cash, John Denver, Jim Croce and Cat Stevens. I always thought Cat Stevens was under rated. He has such powerful and moving songs that are brilliantly composed and played. Nice job on these…I love your posts. Cheers. Pap

[Carpa]

Your place is on a stage, great performance 👌

[Mike W]

Your versatility is outstanding James. Your finger-picking and singing were perfection. Amazing submission.

[Laurel C]

Love the showcases, a collage of different songs, techniques and song. Bravo 👏

[David H]

Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4. Wow! And all done in typical outstanding James B fashion. Delightful and thank you.

[sunjamr]

Those songs are all real crowd-pleasers, James – and you played them and sang them beautifully.

Sunjamr Steve

[Michael L]

Ah, James, what a wonderful walk through some great memories of great times!
Are you tuned down a half-step? I happened to have my guitar in hand as I listened and picked out a fill… and it seemed like Db was the right key. Just curious… is this for vocal range?

[Author]

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