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few years ago, James Gordon came from Canada for a Pamlico Musical Society show. Few here had heard of him. He sang some of the hundreds of songs he’s written in his 30-year career — songs such as “Sweaters for Penguins” (based on a true story) and “Frobisher Bay” about getting iced in above the Arctic Circle (also a true story).

People really liked the show (that’s a true story, too.) So much so, that the Pamlico Musical Society brought James back the following year, something they rarely do, and filled the theater.

James Gordon.

On January 23rd James will be making a third visit to Oriental and this time he’ll be accompanied on the Old Theater stage by his two sons, Evan and Geordie Gordon. His sons play a lot of instruments between them —- fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass, keyboards, and accordion. Evan and Geordie are taking a break from some recording in New York City, to be part of the Oriental show on January 23rd.

James Gordon says that he is “excited to return to Oriental to show off my family to the nice folks there.. but to show Oriental off to my family as well.”

James has recorded more than 3 dozen albums. The subject and style might be called, “Canadiana”.

Beginning with his work with the folk trio, Tamarack, and continuing today, James taps in to Canadian history as well as current life there and abroad and writes songs – stories really – that touch on the human condition, no matter the era. It is folk music about folks. They are, in the words of one reviewer, “songs honed to perfection.” While his songs invoke a time and place, the themes are timeless. As another reviewer put it, “He makes the local universal.”

His a cappella song, ‘Frobisher Bay’ is told from the perspective of the ill-fated crew whose captains’ decision to ‘go for one more whale’ caused them to be iced in. A haunting song, Frobisher Bay has been covered by a number of other artists and was featured on “Canadian Idol.” The Cowboy Junkies have covered James’ song, “Mining for Gold” which can be heard in the John Sayles movie, “Silver City”. It was also heard in a particularly striking Nike commercial that aired during an NCAA championship game.

Also part of his repertoire are the songs James wrote during his four years as the in-house songwriter at the CBC program, “Basic Black.” In that Canadian public radio job, he had to write a song each week about a story in the news. That led to songs such as “We’re Canadian And We’re Sorry” (a study had found Canadians among the more polite countries) and ‘Sweaters for Penguins’. (an oil spill left penguins unable to warm themselves and in response, some women began knitting sweaters for them.)

His latest CD, “Nine Green Bottles”, marks a collaboration with his sons Geordie and Evan. Among the song is “Inukshuk,” about a Canadian thrown for a loop by New York City . “Another Silver Maple Comes Down” is a lament about development in the Canadian wilderness, while “Manitoulin” poses the question: “Why must a moment like this be stolen? Who are we stealing them from?”

James Gordon and Sons.

James says that the collaboration with his sons has “given my sound more ‘edge’ but will still sound familiar to fans and other folkies.”

Sing Out magazine’s reviewer says it works, calling the father and sons’ approach “a lovely melding of genres, in which James’ sturdy imagery and tradition-based melodies are energized by the boys’ imaginative and often rough-hewn accompaniment.” which, the reviewer says, brings to mind, The Band.

James says that “the stage show is still a mixture of songs with an historical context, and comedy stuff as well.” He’s also added a new dimension.

For years, James has sent periodic emails to his fans, writing of upcoming works and shows and sharing his latest experiences as a folk performer on the road going from gig to gig. These have now been compiled in book form (and audio book) and James says he will work some of those stories in to the show.

For a sampling of James Gordon and Sons’ work and earlier work by James Gordon, click here:

Tickets to the January 23rd show are $15 and available at Croakertown, next to the Post Office in Oriental. You may also purchase tickets online by clicking the “buy” button below. TownDock.net is sponsoring the show which starts at 7:30pm.

Posted Friday January 9, 2009 by Melinda Penkava