Blue Knight with James Gilchrist:
A Special Compilation CD

Featuring:

James Gilchrist: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Bethany Burgess-Smith: Vocals
Carol Crittenden: Vocals
Eric Mauriello: Bass, E-bow Guitar, Keyboards
Andrew Potenza: Percussion
Celeste Ray: Psaltery
Kyle Sanna: Lead Guitar

This album represents a period of about 10 years in the life of singer/songwriter/guitarist James Gilchrist, and two years in the life of his folk/rock/world band Blue Knight. When James started writing music in 1993, he never thought that 10 years later he'd be living in New York City and be performing some of those earliest songs with a full band in local clubs, much less have a recording to show for it. His soul-searching journey is captured here, and thanks apparently to the good will of his fellow New Yorkers, the band's contributions to that journey can also be heard. The story goes that on a cold night in February, 2002, James was asked to perform in an off-Broadway theatrical production called "New Beginnings" - as an actor. As the show's rehearsals progressed, the director/producer learned of his songwriting habit and decided that she wanted to include his original songs in the show. KATHY TOWSON offered to co-produce what was to become the soundtrack to the show on CD. Her caveat? That she got to pick which of James' songs went on the album.

After a long evening spent in the theatre together, during which James played 40 or so of his songs for Kathy to pick from, they agreed on eight. With the help of future band members KYLE SANNA and BETHANY BURGESS-SMITH (James didn't have a band yet, that came later), he recorded those songs and co-produced his first CD "New Beginnings."

As befits its title, that CD was only the beginning! Inspired by the success of "New Beginnings," James decided to try expanding his musical horizons, forming an ensemble that was to become a "folk/rock/world band" called BLUE KNIGHT. He invited Kyle (guitarist), Bethany and CAROL CRITTENDEN (both excellent singers) to join him as he began playing his songs in NYC's West Village. In June, 2002 he met CELESTE RAY, a composer herself who played a remarkable instrument called the psaltery. Upon hearing its ethereal and haunting sound and witnessing Ray's unique proficiency, he invited her to join the group. She agreed on one condition: that he also join HER ensemble playing traditional Celtic and original music! This exchange of talent precipitated a performance at NYC's Cutting Room during which James got the chance to play with percussionist ANDREW POTENZA and bassist extraordinaire, ERIC MAURIELLO.

The plot thickened. Due to an event which any performer who plays a stringed instrument dreads (a string broke on Celeste's psaltery during the show!), James wound up on stage alone with Eric and Andrew with five minutes to kill while Celeste went to repair the offending wire. He turned to them and said, "This is a song called Fishing Town - it's in 6/8 in G; try it with me?" And on they played until Celeste could return to the show. That moment in November of 2002 solidified James' desire to add percussion and bass to his songs and he invited Andrew and Eric to consider joining his growing ensemble. On January 6th, 2003, the folk/rock/world band in its current incarnation made their debut at New York City's Irish Arts Center. They performed 4 songs, of which “La Belle Dame” and “A Maid in Ninian’s Day” went on to become fan favorites - and also wound up being added to an updated version of the "New Beginnings" CD as they were recorded live, that night.

Jump ahead to October, 2004. Eric Mauriello, who, in addition to playing bass guitar is a recording engineer/producer for his own studio, decided that he’d like to surprise James with a present from the whole band. Blue Knight had been performing and traveling together as a group as far south as Virginia and as far north as Massachusetts, but didn’t yet have a CD showcasing their sound. He called each of the performers individually and they all agreed to volunteer their time and meet with Eric at his studio. The plan? To re-record 4 of James’ songs - without him knowing! Of the songs on “New Beginnings,” Eric selected “Always,” “Think of Me,” Celebrating You,” and “Share the Light” to make sound as if they were recorded by Blue Knight as a group. After about six weeks, during which each of the band members (sans James) traveled to Eric’s studio and recorded their parts, the “super-sized” versions of those songs were ready. It’s worth noting Celeste Ray in particular had a hard time concealing her involvement in the project from James - they had become partners and lived together on New York’s upper west side!

The end of the story:

It’s Christmas, 2004. James and Eric arrive at James’ apartment after rehearsing together to find Bethany, Celeste, Kyle and Andrew all waiting in the living room. Eric had thoughtfully arranged for everyone to be present when it was time to give James his surprise. The group sat around the stereo and listened for the first time as a group to songs they had been performing together for almost two years. After much celebration, James announced that in January, 2005, he would combine these new song versions with his previous solo recordings AND the group’s live recordings done at the Irish Arts Center and make the collection available as a “Special Compilation CD.” (But first he was going to take a much needed long-winter’s nap!)


Official Blue Knight with James Gilchrist Bio:

James Gilchrist founded the Celtic Folk/Rock/World band Blue Knight in February, 2002, but as a singer/songwriter/guitarist he has been performing his music for audiences since 1993. Gilchrist first performed solo in such New York City venues as the Red Lion and Kenny's Castaways. Now his band Blue Knight can be heard in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and at venues up and down the east coast.

Blue Knight incorporates a wide range of influences into their music - Celtic and Spanish world styles, modern American and Irish pop/rock, and lyrics inspired by Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Gilchrist's original music has also supported many theatrical productions in NYC. Blue Knight owes its inception to contributions made by Kyle Sanna, Carol Crittenden, and Bethany Burgess-Smith - all performers (and later close friends) he worked with in the theater. Celeste Ray adds a distinctly Celtic/World sound to the band with melodies played on the bowed psaltery and the harmonium. Andrew Potenza's unique percussion is influenced by his experiences playing Morrocan and Turkish music in NYC. Eric Mauriello added his inspired bass work to the Blue Knight sound in April, 2003.

Blue Knight shows often celebrate ancient Celtic holidays, myths, and legends. "Many of the themes I write about are spiritual, even mystical," says Gilchrist. "Songs based on the poetry of John Keats, songs that celebrate the earth and our connection to her, songs that sometimes remind me of the storytelling that the Medieval bards used to do. The music appeals to people who embrace Celtic traditions."

The band plays a balanced mix of traditional singer/songwriter ballads, modern rock songs, and Celtic/Romantic influenced tunes.

"That way, everyone gets a little something," Gilchrist says, "and it pretty much sums up my style."