Gideon James still has the touch

08.June.07

The trademark glasses and Kangol cap is back on the local entertainment scene.

So too is the golden voice that belongs to none other than Gideon James.

The former vocalist for the legendary band Touch, is{{more}} back on the scene with a solo album entitled “So special”, and is currently burning the airwaves with the songs “You turn” and “Come home”.

Speaking to Searchlight at Sunday’s Soca Swing: Survivor’s paradise fete at the Victoria Park, James expressed his happiness to be taking an active part in Vincy Mas 2007.

“I’m always singing, that’s part of my job (working as a musician on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship), but being home here for Carnival is great,” James said. “It’s been 12 years since I participated, though I was here in ‘96 and 2003.”

Commenting on his album, James said that he was glad to be able to put out the effort and is certain that fans will enjoy it as much as he enjoyed putting it together.

The album, which is to be released on June 15th has 12 songs, including three remixes, and also features local artistes like Icon and Alla-G.

Although James is enjoying his solo career, he says that he misses working with the band Touch, who ruled the carnival scene in the late eighties and early nineties.

He said that he still gets along well with his former band members, and even works with bass player Ifil Shortte on the cruise ship. The band had a reunion tour in 2005.

James said that the solo business is much more difficult than being in a band. He says as a solo artist you have to look out for yourself.

“Compared to a band this is difficult. While a band comes together and takes care of business, a soloist has to make things work for himself.”

James says he hopes to be in the entertainment business as long as God and health provides. He expressed his thanks for all the support that he has been receiving and said he is definitely looking forward to Carnival 2007.

He made a call for Carnival lovers to support the artistes and not piracy.

He encourages fans to visit his website, http://www.myspace.com/gideonjames, where they can download lyrics and ringtones from his album.