Topic: Steve James

[lindy]

Everyone,

I am very sorry to pass on this sad news, but our friend and teacher Steve James died today, January 6, 2023, in Seattle.

Here's a remembrance from Acoustic Guitar magazine:

https://acousticguitar.com/remembering-roots-musician-steve-james-1950-2023/

The only additional info I know of (via Stuart and PT workshop participant Mark Thompson) states that the time between diagnosis and his passing was very short, that he had enough time to say goodbye to friends and to do one last road trip to California, and that his good friend Del Rey was with him during the last few weeks.

Lindy

[Slack]

This is really heartbreaking news Lindy.  Thanks for letting us know. 

[Mr.Natural]

RIP Steve. He was a force of nature.

[MarkC]

Very sad. One of a kind. RIP.

[Parlor Picker]

This sad and shocking news was all over Facebook this morning. As he had not toured in south-east England for some time, I had lost touch with Steve. He stayed with me several times over the years when I secured gigs for him locally. Inevitably I have various stories to tell, but the one that is strongest in my mind relates to our earliest meetings.

I first met him at a local gig which had nothing to do with me. A Rye (UK) pub had built up a reputation as a great blues venue and touring musicians often tried to get a booking there, Steve included and with success. I went to that event, introduced myself and reviewed it in a British blues magazine. A year later, he was there again so, of course, I went along, arriving just after he had started playing. It was a hot summer day, with a large crowd so in the interval most people went outside into the garden, including Steve and myself, but quite separately. I didn't think he would remember me as he was touring extensively all over the world and doubtless meeting dozens of people. I was not close to him, but he spotted my 6 foot+ figure and shouted "Michael!", pushed through the crowd and approached with his hand outstretched. I was amazed he remembered me and that was the start of our friendship.

As well as being an outstanding guitarist, mandolinist and singer/songwriter/teacher, Steve was undoubtedly a highly intelligent man with a complex character who didn't suffer fools gladly, but I always seemed to get on fine with him. He will be greatly missed by many people in many countries.

[Blues Vintage]

Sad news indeed. One of my first guitar teachers in a way when I got my hands on his "Fingerstyle Blues Songbook".
Rest in peace, Steve.

[MarkC]

with a complex character who didn't suffer fools gladly

I commend you for addressing that part of Steve’s personality, and you did it in as nice a way as possible. But I think it lumps too many people into the “fools” category. I liked him and was always glad to see him, but he was part rattlesnake and cuddly as a cactus. And I mean that in as nice a way as possible.

[Johnm]

When I think of Steve, the word that comes to mind is "kinetic". He was always so full of physical vitality and energy. It's hard to imagine him not being here. It's a reminder of how fragile our connection to life is.

[Old-Time Igor]

Shocking news! Yesterday morning i got message from Steve's friend Esa that Steve has passed away. I couldn't believe it. It was just two months ago that i did spend 3 days with Steve here in Helsinki. I was his "chaffeur" and DJ during his visit in here from friday 4th to sunday 6th of november. We did two shows together (Culture house Malmitalo and restaurant Juttutupa) i was spinning my 78's during his sets. Steve also played short private houseparty gig on saturday noon. Now it seems like these three gigs in Helsinki were Steve's last shows. He ended his European tour here. For me this was second time to work with Steve. We did one show here in Helsinki 2015 and it went so nice then that it was naturally we did it again. Well, 78rpm records + Steve's wonderful music and charisma! What more to you need..
Since i got this sad news i've been remembering these three days with Steve a lot. Steve was so full of energy straight from the ferry terminal (he came to Helsinki from Stockholm by ferry) where we met and stories start to come immediately. I got the feeling that i was the one who is 72 and he's 49... During the shows we find the time to hang around: we walk around Helsinki, we went to the Record fair, we drink a lot (I'm sure Steve drank as many cups of coffee than i drank beer!), we went to market place where Steve bought big bottle of Tyrni (buckthorne)-juice,fish and other healty stuff...we went to jam session on sunday evening... We had a nice time! On late sunday evening i escorted Steve to the hotel where we said "bye-bye and till the next times..". Steve flew back to Seattle on monday just in time to go to vote in elections.

My condolences to Steve's loved ones, friends,fans and colleagues.

..and to Steve:YOU are the most favourite personalities in the whole universe! Thanks my friend!

[Parlor Picker]

When I think of Steve, the word that comes to mind is "kinetic". He was always so full of physical vitality and energy.

Well put, John. He was also full of knowledge about the music we love and many other subjects as well.

[joe paul]

What a guy he was, a great player and songwriter, so much enthusiasm for the music.
You will be missed, Steve James, thank you for everything.
My condolences go out to people close to him.

[Stuart]

Steve on NPR in 2009:

https://www.npr.org/2009/04/26/103467828/steve-james-guitar-still-resonates

[Chezztone]

I have a fond memory of helping Steve lead a giant (and damn good -- some of you probably were in it) jug band at Port T. I think the class was called "American Music Ensemble" or something. We had whole sections of guitars, mandolins, harps, kazoos, ukes, and some jugs, percussion and a piano. What a feeling, hearing and participating in a jug orchestra!
And I remember another time at Port T when Steve got excited when he discovered a patch of mint growing, and announced we would have mint juleps! A musical and fun guy, as well as a serious student of the music. Sad that he is gone.

[banjochris]

I only got to meet Steve a couple of times, the last time at Port Townsend in 2016, and I'm sure glad I had those opportunities to hang out, play and talk with him. I really admire his music and he will definitely be missed.

[Chezztone]

Another memory of Steve James from Port T:
This was probably during a rehearsal of that same giant jug band, since there were many players of various instruments present. Someone delivered the sad news that the great Howard Armstrong had passed away. Steve directed all the mandolin and fiddle players to hold their instruments up to the heavens in tribute.
Unfortunately we're not all together for the news of Steve's passing. Nevertheless you might hold your guitar aloft to give Steve the same tribute he requested for his friend and mentor.