Cleveland-based singer/songwriter/guitarist James McKeivier was raised in rural Ohio and busked across the country before settling in the Cleveland area where he recorded his debut album Starry Skies of Home, released in 2013.
That released supercharged his songwriting and since then he’s released The Lucky Ones (2016) and Hills & Dreams (2020). The latter was the first to feature a full band, which he calls The Starry Sky Band, giving his tunes a more fleshed-out sound. Love Songs, Demonstrations & Other Suggestions for the End Game followed in 2021.
His fifth album, the ten-track The Storm Rages On, was just released this summer. His press release describes it as “a collection of 10 eclectic songs steeped in the roots of American music with sincere lyrics for the modern times.” It features his latest lineup including new member Larry Kalal on bass and backing vocalist, percussionist Jason Kuebler, keyboard player Billmike and guitarist Gary Heinrich Jr. Luckily, the increased musical firepower doesn’t cover up McKeivier’s roots as an intimate and personal songwriter and performer although it provides some density and momentum to tracks like “They Closed Down the Dance Hall” and “End of the Day” and punches up “Ladeda,” an otherwise pensive tune. But intimacy prevails on tunes such as “Lonely Hearts,” showcases for McKeivier’s rough-edged voice with its echoes of Dylan and Cash.
Listen to the album here. Get more information about McKeivier here.
One Response to “CLE Singer/Songwriter James McKeivier Debuts New Album”
Rose Morrison
I love Jim’s music and voice