Darrin James

Darrin James is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, composer and producer known for his distinctive gravelly voice, thoughtful lyrics, soulful guitar playing and funky, eclectic musicianship.  In Ann Arbor, MI he owns a recording studio and independent label, Ravine Records, and his wide-ranging productions include rustic Americana, gritty rock n'roll, greasy funk, jazz fusion, free improvisation, artful electronica, and increasingly more influences from around the globe.

As Darrin James Band, he has released four critically praised albums of his original songs: Thrones of Gold (2006),  The Lovely Ugly Truth(2009) Strange Storm (2016) and See Right Through (2024).  James' songs  have  found their way into TV  and film such as the Emmy nominated  season of Deadliest Catch and the 2019 film, Peel, starring Emile Hirsch.  James provided the soundtrack to the documentary film, Meet Me at the Lindell, The Story of America's First Sports Bar, which premiered at Detroit's Freep Film Festival in 2017 and aired on PBS.    

In 2018 James released the first album of his instrumental jazz-funk project, Disaster Relief, which he intended as an escape from the negativity and serious atmosphere of the political climate (and his own songwriting, by extension). With funky horn-driven arrangements and exciting live performances, Allaboutjazz.com declared it "perfect party music."  In 2021,James collaborated with Detroit's "Queen of the Blues," Thornetta Davis, writing and producing a two song release, How I Feel, which bridged Disaster Relief's funky grooves with Thornetta's bluesy swagger and a fair dose of James' social commentary.  The release was nominated for two Detroit Music Awards.  Later in 2021, James released a second Disaster Relief album, titled Back into It,  a unique set of instrumental compositions that moved beyond funk to reflect increasing  global influences such as Greek, Balkan, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. 

In 2023 Darrin James Band  returned with two new singles, Born For One Love and When You're With Me, both leaning towards the  roots-rock sounds of James' early records,  but now supplemented by new textures of horns and synthesizers.   The full length album, See Right Through,  arrived in 2024 with lyrical themes that are some of his most personal yet, dealing with love and loss  during these strange times.   

In 2025 James released two thematic singles,  Tricked By the Devil and  Old and In Your Arms, which continue James signature blend of poignant lyrics,  gravel-voiced singing,  and an eclectic range of folk blues guitar styles.  James later released Live Ravine Sessions, a collection of live studio recordings and videos  that show off James' tight studio band performing and jamming some of James' best known songs. The current band includes Brennan Andes (bass), Rob Avsharian (drums), Keaton Royer (keys) and Tim Haldeman (sax). 

Darrin James was born in Kentucky, raised in Metro Detroit, and attended University of Michigan , where he studied literature.  He spent the first decade of the 2000s cutting his teeth in New York City where he released his first two albums and established himself in the Brooklyn music scene, performing at venues like Galapagos, Jalopy Theater, Southpaw, Pete's Candy Store, and more. In 2010 James returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan and has been active in the Ann Arbor and Detroit scenes, performing regularly at places like the Blind Pig, Old Town Tavern and the Ark.  In 2014 James started Ravine Records with a  focus on recording, producing, and releasing new musical collaborations. James and Ravine Records have many new releases on the horizon! To check out  other projects, go to www.ravinerecords.com