Early-pandemic, James Bay was putting the finishing touches on his third studio album. However, like many releases planned pre-COVID, the debut was put on pause. Amidst the situational frustration, James found opportunity and subsequently spent two and half years reworking his album, swapping out his “sad songs” for “anthems of hope.”
When the revised album dropped in August 2022, James hit the road for his long awaited Leap tour with a great album and newly discovered determination. That determination was needed on his way to his Boston tour stop when his bus broke down. The unexpected situation called on him to revise his plan, hitchhike with his opener Katelyn Tarver, and take the Boston stage solo.
With nothing but an acoustic guitar and a mic, James performed songs across his discography ranging from “Let It Go” to “Give Me A Reason.” The simplicity and raw nature of the performance gave new meaning and transparency to his heartfelt and confessional lyrics. The absence of competing sounds provided inviting pauses for the audience’s harmonizing voices to join in.
James’ unique set was equal in performance and connection. He took every opportunity throughout the night to engage with fans. He reacted to audience commentary, shared anecdotes and sentiments like “I feel lucky because I have someone not something,” when referring to his family, and even exuberantly celebrated a mid-performance proposal.
“I need you to know that I will keep coming back as long as you’ll have me,” he told the crowd before exiting the stage.
Despite and perhaps because of the chaos of the morning, James delivered a performance that gave fans a front and center performance to his artistry and showcased his ability to organically engage with the audience.
Amelia Cordischi, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Juice Box Press, is an accomplished digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in media and communications. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including The Boston Globe. A communications graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Amelia served as manager of Simmons College Radio (“The Shark”), where she also launched and co-hosted her radio show, The Find.
In addition to her editorial work, Amelia is an established freelance photographer, with bylines in Blended Magazine and CelebMix, capturing artists and cultural moments across the music and media landscape. Her career began at WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, the ABC affiliate in Boston, where she gained firsthand experience in broadcast journalism and storytelling.
When she’s not taking photos from the photo pit, interviewing emerging artists, or crafting the next Juice Box Press feature, Amelia can be found thrifting and exploring the world of sustainable fashion.