James Margolis

James Margolis is a Philadelphia-area raised, New York City–based musician whose genre-defying sound weaves together delta blues, folk, jazz, soul, hip-hop, neo-soul, and socially conscious storytelling. With a voice that hints at Sinatra and lyrics that resonate with the emotional honesty of Bob Dylan and Elliott Smith.

A self-taught guitarist turned seasoned pro, James first picked up the instrument in his teens and later studied briefly at Berklee College of Music. He loves to learn the folk songs of America that tell the stories that you won’t learn in textbooks, and loves to play them for awe-struck audiences deeply impressed by James' encyclopedic knowledge of music. His deep love for folk, blues, jazz, and soul music becomes readily apparent in his performances, whether playing solo, or with his 5-piece band. At his shows he conjures the spirits of Skip James, Blaze Foley, Charley Patton, and Doc Watson, the Chicago blues of Magic Sam, old jazz of Bessie Smith, and soul of Curtis Mayfield. After cutting his teeth on Philadelphia's live music scene, he relocated to New York in 2012, quickly making waves with his solo work and as a core member of the Travelers.

James's live experience is extensive: he's toured up and down the eastern seaboard, opened for artists like Willie Watson, and held residencies — including a multi-year all-improv jam session in Brooklyn called “The Healing.” Off stage, he's equally skilled: he's engineered and produced his own albums (including Civilianaire, his latest release), and worked as a live sound engineer at prestigious venues such as The Django in NYC. His 2024 album Civilianaire explores the intersection of personal reflection and political awareness. Critics have praised its “deft touch” for navigating social tensions while maintaining intimacy B-Side Guys.
Whether performing solo or with his full band, James offers a powerful live presence rooted in musical mastery and emotional authenticity. He draws from his deep repertoire of folk, blues, and soul classics, as well as his own original songs. He's equally at home in a cozy house concert, a crowded local venue, a grassroots festival, or a thoughtfully curated private event.