American singer/songwriter James Ruff (02/24/1982- Present) always packs the rooms and fills his shows with his charismatic and wildly energetic presence, heartfelt lyrics, and laughter. He brings to life his stories with the use of polyrhythmic, groove-stirring world rhythms, folk attitude and poetic eloquence.
Since 2003 Ruff has played the NYC circuit and surrounding areas. In earlier years Ruff toured Prague, Amsterdam, Hungary, and Mexico and in 2008 toured Ghana, West Africa playing and studying with African legend Mustapha Teddy Addy and Reggae Artist “Courage” Alane Kofi. As the cold sheets of ice came down upon NYC in early February of 2009 Ruff and partner Emily Sinnott decided to tour Costa Rica where they met “the grandfather of calypso” Mr. Walter Ferguson learning calypso rhythm and groove. This would be the first time Sinnott and Ruff would write together marking the birthplace for the lighthearted and comical “Coconut Song” written as a tribute to love both artists felt for the beautiful coast. “Here we are” though started in NYC by Ruff was also completed by the two artists upon those romantic sandy shores. Both the “Coconut Song” and “Here We Are” can be found on “Long Journey Home.” Upon the release of debut LP “Long Journey Home” in 2009 Ruff and partner Sinnott completed a grass roots four-month US tour spanning 23 states. James plays acoustic guitar, dances and has been noted for his very powerful and tender voice.
“Long Journey Home” features eight full-length songs as well as one hidden track rumored to find its way into Ruff’s next album in a new shaped form. Ruff (producer) worked with other talents such as Jeff Berner (Galluminum Foil Productions) and Ryan Vaughn who both co-produced and appeared in the album. Vaughn played percussion and drums utilizing both kit and cajone on the songs “At the Water’s Edge”, “Sing Liberty”, “Tears from God”, “Coconut Song”, “We Will” and “Baby Blue”. And with Ruff’s request, the two sang side by side on the song “Sing Liberty” a folk fusion tackling political issues, which later metamorphoses into a dance groove. Berner is featured playing electric bass on “At the Water’s Edge” and can also be heard paying electric guitar on “Tears from God”. While Ruff wanted Ms. Sinnott to sing on the album proper timing could not be established and instead miss Emily Easterly is found singing beautiful harmonies on “Coconut Song.”
While James’ main instruments of choice are his guitar and voice, during his 2008 stay in Ghana, Africa he studied tribal polyrhythms with world famous Mustapha Tettey Addy. James also played with the African drumming and dancing group Folkloric Selamta, studying under master drummer Nii Quao. Samir Chatterjee (one of India’s most highly recognized tabla players) has also been one of James’ musical mentors.
He studies and writes with Wendy Parr (who teaches Regina Spektor, and wrote music for “Slum Dog Millionaire”). He has also studied vocally with Seth Riggs (known for teaching, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and many others) and has worked with Holly Lemar, co-writer of “Breathe” (top of charts, 1999).
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Born of two American parents, James spent most of his youth traveling from coast to coast. His passion for music started early singing for all boys’ choirs and playing clarinet in local school bands. After a troubled youth James once again found solace in music. He often speaks about how playing his guitar taught him valuable life lessons. In his own words, “Music gave me back my life.” James has been performing locally in New York City and running his business NYC Healing since 2003.
