This project, our fourth album, took several years to complete. Life Stories is a group of songs that capture stories, emotions, ideas, experiences, and even dreams.
Listen to the album or individual tracks below. You can download tracks FREE for a limited time. Please also listen to tracks on any digital music service (Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, and more).
Life Stories is comprised of six original songs written by James and one written by Sting but performed by James and fellow musicians.
SONGS (CLICK ON ANY TITLE TO LISTEN TO AND DOWNLOAD INDIVIDUAL TRACKS)
There are seven songs with six originals written by James and one song written by Sting. All the songs are performed by James and the many musicians who have collaborated closely with him.
This original song emanates from James’ personal experience on 9/11 2001 which changed his perspective on what his life meant and what motivations he would eventually follow. He happened to be on an airplane returning to NYC and landing at 8:47 AM: the exact moment the first tower was struck by a commercial airplane.
James’ flight would almost touch the runway in landing before being rerouted into a holding pattern near NY Harbor. Many anxious people on the flight were able to see the smoke from first tower burning then, some minutes later, see the second tower hit from the air. The flight was eventually rerouted to Buffalo where James would rent a car and eventually make his way back to NYC. It was a very difficult and somber ride back as the shock of such an event was an immediate shock to so many.
Many personal challenges followed James’ 9/11 experience that would reshape his life. One Step Forward captures some of James' feelings and parts of the unforgettable things that followed, and that he experiences to this day. These ultimately have become the fabric of renewing his life purpose and shaping who he is today.
Musicians:
James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Alex Taub (piano), Rob Geisler (bass), James Kylen (drums)
Sting wrote this song about the ills and pains of wars, as well as the price our society pays from war. While James always loved the song, it struck a special place in his heart because Sting performed the song immediately following the events of 9/11. It touched the hearts of many as it was broadcast across the world. It remains one of his favorite songs from Sting.
Musicians:
James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Misha Tsiganov (piano), Nick Lazarev (bass), Justin Watt (drums). Originally produced by Gennaro Tedesco. Remixed by Phil Ludwig, Seclusion Hill Studios.
THE CAFE NEAR THE EDGE OF TOWN
James lives in an area of NC that was in the epicenter of impact from hurricane Helene in 2024.
This song is a story that takes place in a small NC town where homes, businesses, and most important, people’s lives were devastated from floods and winds never seen before in the area. The amazing part of the story is the way people came together to support and love one another when much of their local world was devastated. The Cafe Near The Edge of Town represents the place(s) where people came together. “Please join us when you can.”
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Taylor Pierson (piano), Zack Page (bass), Finn Magill (violin)
This is a story about saving a loved one when circumstances make getting home very difficult. Love conquers all and trusting a loved one to get you home is beautiful.
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Alex Taub (piano), Rob Geisler (bass), James Kylen (drums)
This rather zany story that started with a dream about a mermaid. In the dream, the mermaid was outside in my front yard in a torrential rain. So, I saved the mermaid and she fell in love with me.
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Alex Taub (piano), Rob Geisler (bass), James Kylen (drums), Justin Ray (trumpet), Scott Mills (saxophone)
This story came about after meeting a US Marine veteran who had done several tours in Afghanistan. When he described his daily experiences and the perils he faced from daily threats to his life, I asked how he kept himself together. He pulled out a disheveled letter from his jacket pocket and said that “this letter from the love of my life saved me saved me”. He was engaged to marry her. Hence, the song “Letter From My Love” was born.
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Taylor Pierson (piano), Zack Page (bass), James Kylen (drums)
This story evolved through observation about the lives of children in our society today. When I was a child, there was a focus on individual freedom, exploration, and life experiences that were part of just growing up. Yes, there was some structure, priorities, competition, and more, but it seemed to be more balanced then.
Today, these priorities have been replaced by an overly intense emphasis on structure, regimen, discipline, competition, and more. Today’s children face ever-demanding schedules between school, sports, and other structured activities. Experiential activities around exploration and spontaneity are often ignored or missed altogether. Setting the children free to be a kid who explores and experiences life is just part of growing.
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Taylor Pierson (piano), Zack Page (bass), James Kylen (drums)
