I have been playing, singing, writing and recording original music since I was a teenager. Music is one of the great loves of my life and I have spent many wonderful hours (and many wonderful dollars!) pursuing this dream.

In addition to my own personal songs I have also created original scores for nationally distributed animated films, a promo for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and writing and producing the first use of rock music in a liturgical setting for Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.

My musical skills have also served me well in the multimedia field where I have directed other musicians and composers in the production of sound tracks for multimedia shows and videos.

Here is a sampling of my original songs. Choose a song and click on the Play Audio button to hear mp3 files of the selections. (Note: you must have an mp3 player installed on your system. If you don't, click here to download a player.) For your enjoyment, I have included the lyrics.

RECORDING PERSONNEL:
James Byfield: Vocals, Rythm/Lead Guitar, Cuatro, Synthesizer
Ron Harper: Harmonica, Vocals
Peter Nord: Bass Guitar, Vocals
Randy Winslow: Drums
Derrick Wright:Lead Guitar
Heather Robertson: Vocals
Ingrid Harper: Vocals, Percussion Effects
George Bertaina: Keyboards

415.665.5539 • San Francisco, CA • jamesb@james-creative.com

 

  • Hard Heart Honey Bee
    One of those power house women who rules the hive. A rocker.
  • Come Back, Little Sheba
    A little bit of reggae, a touch of calypso, some New Orleans, and classic unrequited love. Special thanks to William Inge.
  • She's A Lady
    A sweet love song. Guess I'm just a hopeless romantic at heart.
  • Mister Twister
    Way back in Junior High, I won a dance contest and got the title Mister Twister. I used the name in this song about dancin'.
  • Champagne Charlie
    About a good friend of mine with Champagne tastes and a Budweiser budget.
  • Lights Out
    A tribute to soft music, moonlight on the bay, and the person you love.
  • I Can't Keep Anything From You
    When you really love someone, they know all your secrets.
  • Queen of My Heart
     Been a reggae fan since the early 70's. My tribute to Gregory Isaacs, who I saw one night in a diner in Negril, JA.
  • Sugar Rush
     Inspired by Delta Blues...but with a licorice twist.
  • Birmingham Walk
     My father was a Civil Rights hero. This is a tribute to those times. Hope he hears it in heaven.
  • Lady Day
     Not about Billie, but about an erotic dream.
  • Baboons on the Desert
     One of my weirdest. Just had to put it in here.