Classical guitarist, composer, singer-songwritter, innovator of the 19 string arch harp guitar, James Kline is an artist who constantly renews and reinvents himself.
As a classical guitarist he studied in Spain under a full scholarship from the Spanish government. There he won a number of international awards, including the Ramirez Prize of Santiago de Compostella and the Tarrega Pize of Benicasim. He holds an ARCM diploma from The Royal College of Music of London and has performed throughout eastern and western Europe as well as the United States and Mexico. He has also gained recognition as a composer and was awarded an Individual Artist Grant in music composition from the Marin Arts Council of California.
As a singer-songwritter, James draws inspiration from a slightly more unusual life experience which includes years working as a commercial fisherman, working as a wilderness guide, extensive travel on four continents, and living among Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians. An interest in Renaissance and Baroque music led him to design his own version of the eleven string arch guitar, an instrument which combines the best qualities of the lute and the guitar. The urge to expand his horizons and dedicate more time to composing led James to co- found the neo Celtic group Bardou with whom he performs regularly. He has again reinvented his instrument to become the world’s only player of the 19 string arch harp guitar, a combination of lute, guitar, and Celtic harp.
A modern day troubadour, his performances reflect a wonderful diversity of life experience and musical intrigue and are often punctuated with story telling.
For more information on the group Bardou, you can also visit their European website at www.bardou.be
"Sencillamente maravilloso, genial, relajante, muy, muy bueno, precioso ... he sparked an intimacy with the audience that filled the auditorium."
A review of James' performance at the Art Museum of Sinaloa, from the El Debate newspaper of Culiacan Mexico
"The famous Murray Perahia is the poet of the piano, James Kline is as much on the guitar. Did we ever hear a single note sound so softly and pure as it did this night? Here was a perfectionist at work, a first rate artist with a high sense of responsibility towards the music. Her serves it, and doing so, makes it an absolute happening to listen to him."
Doornse Courant - Doorn, Holland
"He is a complete musician, with outstanding technique on the guitar, and a lovely, warm expressiveness. A great guitarist, wsho should be heard."
David Russell
"With his musical sensitivity, and his secure technique, James Kline gave his public an evening of delightful music. The first half of the concert was devoted entirely to music of the Baroque period. James Kline demonstrated his command of the Baroque style with his crystal-clear counterpoint and his tasteful use of contrast and of ornaments. He played with technical ease and with a masterful subtlety of tonal shadings"
Classical Guitar Magazine (from a concert in Aarhus, Denmark)
"James Kline demonstrated sheer technical mastery in the service of music, rather than as an end to itself ... playing with absolute clarity and with a most apt sense of phrasing. His playing is always a pleasure."
The Irish Times, Dublin, Ireland
"Alarge dynamic range, precise phrasing, clean and clearly recognizable polyphonic voices, and meticulous right and left hand technique were the characteristics of the dynamic and artistic style with which Kline impressed and captivated the public. With spontaneous facility, Kline mastered virtuosic passages. These were always thoroughly integrated with the music and were never used out of context. It is only left to say that we hope that the next castle concert will continue to be on such an extremely high level."
Taunuszeitung - Königstein, Germany
"It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet and listen to North American guitarist James Kline, observing in him a refined sensitivity and an excellent instrumental technique at the service of the musical literature which makes him stand out among his colleagues. I wish him a brilliant artistic career."
Jose Tomas
"James Kline is a very sensitive musician and a great player. He transcends the barriers and makes his Renaissance instrument speak one of today's multiple languages, without any anachronism and yet preserve its specifics and authenticity. I feel honored and even happier to listen to what he did with my two compositions.
Pierre Bensusan
