Photography by James O'Malley

James is currently working on a new gathering of songs and the recording process should be completed by summer.

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James, has, throughout the years, graced the legendary stages of Gerde's Folk City, Carnegie Recital Hall, PostCrypt cafe, Huntington Folk Festival, Stephen Talkhouse, Vail-Levitt Hall, Cafe Wha?, Bitter End, The Speakeasy, as well as, Outpost In The Burbs, The Cutting Room, Our Times Coffee House, Hard Luck Cafe, The Brokerage, The Brookhaven Center, Grounds and Sounds Coffee House, The Eclectic Cafe, The Spirit Cafe and numerous house concerts and radio stations throughout the area.

 

A native of Brooklyn, NY, James has toured colleges and coffee houses throughout the country.

His influences include Tim Hardin, Chuck Pyle, Donovan, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, Mickey Newbury, Mississippi John Hurt, Randy Newman, Big Bill Broonzy, Bert Jansch, Gordon Lightfoot...and he learned his fingerpicking basics from legendary folk guitarist, Eric Darling.

 

James has performed alongside and 'on the bill' with Iain Matthews, Pat Wictor, Janis Ian, Little Toby Walker, Cheryl Praksher, Chuck Pyle, The Kennedys, Richard Shindell, Cheryl Wheeler, Louise Taylor, Jack Williams, Pete Kennedy, Corrin Huddleton, Caroline Doctorow, Dana Cooper, Lynn Miles, Tom Pacheco, and in years gone by, Tim Hardin, Harry Chapin, Jack Hardy, David Bromberg, Ry Cooder......

 

He lives in a 19th century Victorian on the eastern end of Long Island.

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   James O’Malley is a hugely talented lyricist and musician who writes knowingly of life’s foibles, triumphs and defeats. He delivers his songs in a subtle, whispering tenor that completely draws the listener into the story he is telling. Considered by many to be the consummate songwriter, O’Malley writes songs that take the listener on an emotional journey exploring family, relationships, human nature and the contemplation of life's choices. Critics praise the New York area artist’s warm melodies, story-telling abilities and his way of charming audiences. O'Malley's songs are universal, often written with a subtle humor.

 

2015 Music Matters Review --- "He is an accomplished finger-style guitarist whose singing will remind you of a genial Paul Simon and his engaging stage presence makes him a must see performer. The album is produced by Pete Kennedy, who lets the vocals and guitar tell his stories with just a light touch of instrumental support. This is O’Malley’s best work yet. Here is an artist who knows how to take sweetness seriously. O’Malley’s melodies catch your attention from the first listen "

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Studio Recordings ---

The Writer Remains (2015) Produced by Pete Kennedy

Tales To Tell (2009) Prouced by Joe Porcelli and James O'Malley

If Only In my Dreams (2004) Produced by James O'Malley

I'm Ready (2001) Produced by James O'Malley

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Quotes and Quips----"With his memorable melodies, vivid lyrical imagery, and heartfelt delivery, James O'Malley carries listeners through a musical voyage of life experiences that they not only can't help but relate to, but indeed, willingly surrender to. Over the course of an hour or so, James' music elicits the same lumps in our throats, and smiles on our faces, that we've all experienced over many years. We remember the setbacks and the triumphs, the wisdom and the simplicity, the innocence and the longing -- but most of all, we remember our love and our passion. And it just doesn't get any better than that." ~ Todd Evans

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"James O'Malley casts his singer-songwriter net wider than your average songsmith" Sing Out!

 

Pete Seeger wrote... "Thanks for the song, James!"

 

O'Malley's "Song For Pete Seeger" reaches #5 on Folk DJ top songs for May '09
- Richard Gillman, Folk DJ List (Jun 03, 2009)

 

"Thank you for presenting such a terrific performance for the Tenafly Library Friends. Our audience truly enjoyed your music as you could tell from their applause and warm reception."...Talia Leschner

 

“James O'Malley's performance proved again, why I believe seeing him live should be on everyone's bucket list.”...Walter Noller

 

"I'm a sucker for a good story song and this album has that in spades. The quality of production is superb with a clarity of sound that captured me from the start. Great vocals backed by superior instrumentation and all in all a wonderful 12 track package."
- Steve Clark (Host: Acoustic Planet Erin Radio -- CHES 101.5 FM),

 

"I can’t tell you how much the show meant to me. The songs are beautiful. They always affect me. You are a major highlight of my musical life." Jack Finkenberg (Eclectic Cafe)

 

James O'Malley was listed among "The Top Artists of 2009 and his latest CD, "Tales To Tell" among The Top Albums of 2009”.... FolkDJ Playlists

 

"O'Malley occupies a position rare to any genre of the musical arts and embodies the term so fully that no other will quite do."
- Mark S. Tucker, Folk Acoustic Music Exchange (Apr 16, 2009)

 

"His artistry goes beyond the songs, having seen James perform many times, I am beginning to appreciate how each song is a loving relationship for him, like a child, he never seems to tire of bringing each one to life for the audience. We are always mesmerized. Thank you. "
- Laura Jones, Jones Review

 

2006 finalist in the Plowshares Song Contest!

 

"There is real eloquence here.......a gifted songwriter poised at the threshold of a loftier position in the ranks of American singer-songwriters."    Ralph Ron DiGennaro for Music Matters Review 

 

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His work has been featured on scores of radio stations nationwide and around the world.

Affiliated with BMI and a member of the Folk Alliance of North America

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(Library Presentations)

The View From A Song

Presenting the fine art of contemporary story telling through song. A flavored blending of Americana, Roots and Folk music reflecting everyday life's struggles, foibles, laughter and tears. During this concert/lecture, O'Malley lets each song do the talking and invites the audience to interview the song as seen through the eyes of the composer.

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