After more or less 10 years of playing the guitar James feels that he has only just scratched the surface of what the instrument is capable of, although others who hear him play are mesmerised. James underestimates his ability, which has been noticed by Martin Carthy when he made positive remarks to a friend about James' style of playing.
 In his early teens James was wowed into taking the guitar more seriously by the chance viewing of a gig by the flatpicking legend Dan Crary.  James is now dividing his time between the study and tuition of the guitar and eating pasta.
James has recently discovered another talent which is writing some excellent songs which feature on the band's CD.
In the band, James can be described as the determined one as once he is set on something, little will move him.