Photo courtesy of BR James
(June 2, 2021) BR James adores singing about friendship. He first came to our attention 2-1/2 years ago with “The Friend I Never Had” from his 2017 eclectic project, You and Me on A Mission, and he belatedly returns now with another song about friendship.
Perhaps this Hampshire, U.K resident’s first loves are the piano and touching storylines, two familiar friends indeed. But he is quite the perfectionist with those friends, and he spent a lengthy period of reworking this new song before the final studio performance of “I’ll Be That Friend,” was realized.
(June 2, 2021) BR James adores singing about friendship. He first came to our attention 2-1/2 years ago with “The Friend I Never Had” from his 2017 eclectic project, You and Me on A Mission, and he belatedly returns now with another song about friendship.
Perhaps this Hampshire, U.K resident’s first loves are the piano and touching storylines, two familiar friends indeed. But he is quite the perfectionist with those friends, and he spent a lengthy period of reworking this new song before the final studio performance of “I’ll Be That Friend,” was realized.
“I’ll Be That Friend” scores highly, with James’ haunting performance, his tenor and killer falsetto hangs on each note, occasionally quivering with sheer glee –investing in the urgency behind his messages. And that ultimate message challenges those to extend friendship to those who need comfort. Joining James is one of his collaborators, Zena Deakin, on harmony vocals, alongside a precious orchestration of electric piano, bass guitar, guitar, and percussion.
As the negative vibes the pandemic continues to generate, we are grateful for the hope that is “I’ll Be That Friend,” and for James’ thirst in taking his musicality so seriously. Take a listen below, and enjoy.
By Peggy Oliver
BR James - "I'll Be That Friend"