James released his first recording under his own name in 2013, though his passion for music began much earlier.

​

“As a kid, I listened to classic country and western, and like many, my world changed when I heard Elvis sing those early ballads and rock songs. At nine, I begged my parents for guitar lessons. I remember the pride I felt bringing home a black six-string acoustic in a flimsy case that had clearly seen better days. The teacher told my father, ‘This boy has something,’ but we didn’t have the spare money to continue the lessons.”

​

Undeterred, Moore later taught himself bass, and by age 15 he was playing in a Toronto rock and roll band, performing at University of Toronto parties.

​

Bitten by the rock and roll bug, James moved to London after finishing high school. There, he joined a blues-rock band with three young English musicians, playing the London circuit and recording at ITV Studios. Though the band never achieved major success, Moore considers the experience invaluable. One highlight was a performance at the famed Speakeasy club, where British rock icons Robert Plant and Stan Webb (Chicken Shack) were in attendance.

​

Upon returning to Toronto, James enrolled at York University, where he met Lisbeth Pettersson of Gothenburg, Sweden. While family and career eventually took precedence, his creative drive never faded.

​

“I taught myself guitar and began recording at home on a small unit,” he explains. “But I really missed the interplay with other musicians. I wanted to get into a studio and see what could happen.”

After sending out a few demos, one reached producer George Rondina at Number Nine Studio in Toronto. Rondina invited Moore to meet with bassist and producer George Koller.

“They told me they liked what I was doing and wanted to hear more about my plans. I said, ‘I just want to create a collection of original songs.’ I had about 25 at the time. I went into the studio with my acoustic guitar and played my heart out. From there, we narrowed it down to the songs that became the album.”

​

With the support of George Koller, Moore recorded two albums. His debut, Lisbeth, was recorded live off the floor in early 2011—an experience he describes as intensely collaborative and deeply rewarding. The sessions featured musicians Mark Mariash, Steve Briggs, Denis Keldie, George Koller, and Kirsten Rea.

​

The album was dedicated to Lisbeth following her passing from leukemia in 2011.

​

Moore’s songwriting shines whether supported by lush arrangements or presented in its most stripped-down form. On Soul’s Journey Home, songs like “Roy Benavidez” and the closing track “Sigh Unto the Universe” are delivered simply with guitar and voice, while tracks such as “Bridges to Love,” “Gentle Witness,” and “Open Your Heart” feature full band arrangements and strings. While Lisbeth drew from country, blues, and jazz influences, Soul’s Journey Home leans more consistently into a folk-based sound.

​

James continues to write and record new music, much of it inspired by his love for Carolyn, whom he married in 2016. The two reconnected decades after an earlier relationship, reaffirming their belief that true love can endure the passage of time.

​

Most recently, Moore fulfilled a long-held dream by collaborating with Grammy Award–winning producer Dave O’Donnell. Together, they recorded six new songs in Brooklyn, New York, alongside world-class musicians Jason Loughlin, Dan Reiser, and Viktor Krauss.

​

These new songs explore a wide range of themes:

• “Refugee” reflects on the plight of those forced to leave their homes.

• “Canadian Sundown” is a deeply patriotic lament.

• “Sweet Faith” contemplates the paradox of the human condition and the search for solace.

• “How Many More Days” captures the anguish of lost love.

• “Hope Is Medicine” celebrates the transformative power of hope.

• “Fugitive Kind” honors those who challenge the status quo to create meaningful change.

​

James looks forward to sharing these new songs while continuing to connect with listeners through both his current work and earlier catalog. He remains deeply appreciative of his audience and always welcomes messages, comments, and engagement from fans and friends alike.