About James BoydABOUT JAMES BOYD

James Boyd

James Boyd, a musician recognised for his lyrical and intensely moving performances, is an alumnus of the Royal Academy of Music in London. His playing style is strongly influenced by the vocal training he received from counter tenor Charles Brett and his performing experience with some of the world’s leading singers, including counter tenor Michael Chance and tenor Robert Tear. His performance of Michael Tippett’s The Blue Guitar at the Spitalfields Winter Festival 2003 led to these reviews in the national press:

‘… the wizard guitarist James Boyd … held us enthralled …’

— Geoff Brown in The Times, 19 December 2003

‘… a concentrated and intensely lyrical performance …’

— Robert Maycock in The Independent, 1 January 2004

James’ debut CD Shapes of Sleep recorded at Snape Maltings Concert Hall draws together two other major influences, the East Anglian landscape where he lives and his love of contemporary and Renaissance music.

Reviewing Shapes of Sleep, William Yeoman said:

‘…what most impresses is a sense of naturalness, of ebb and flow, recalling both Bream's and Segovia's willingness to savour the moment.’

— Gramophone, February 2007