Evaporation, condensation, precipitation... Thank you Soundcloud. 

A semi-random collection of, for the time being, mostly tunes from days past. Scratch demos, songs from the vaults, etc... Click on the song titles if you'd like a more complete description of the time and place of each song. One of these days I'll get real and post some stuff that more accurately reflects where I'm at now. Until then... Thanks! I hope you find the way-back tour interesting.

Most of the tracks are just rough demos.  I'm working on refining them in this hobby I call music.

**NEW FULL BAND ALBUM "Somewhere out in California" COMING SPRING 2019**
From Portland Maine to San Francisco California, Singer-Songwriter Chris James turns his life experience into song and takes you on a journey of the heart with his rich vocal style, lush chord changes and lyrical intensity. Regularly performing with his Americana band The Showdowns, the group lights up dance halls, bar, and clubs with a signature spirit of original alt-country rock n' roll.

Chris James & The Showdowns have released two full length albums with another one on the way, and songs from their records have been used in TV commercial promos and are still played in rotation on SIRIUS XM Radio as well as various FM stations throughout California and beyond. James has performed hundreds of live shows over the past few years on both coasts as a solo artist, as well as with The Showdowns.

In his early days, Chris James was a budding songwriter writing and performing acoustic songs at campfire outings, parties, and coffee houses in and around the Portland Maine area. Gaining confidence as a performer, he realized that he would have to look to larger cities to become more widely recognized and ventured to San Francisco with not much more than a guitar in tow. Shortly after arriving and weathering the culture shock he formed the rock band Small Change Romeos. After just a few years, the band had built a fairly large Bay Area following and were known for their diverse sound and eclectic but heartfelt songwriting, often ranging from alt rock to heavy country to reggae and blues. They continue to make music and release records...


Chris continues to perform and record regularly and has of late set himself in a producer and engineer role, working with other bands, as well as his own projects in the studio in order to get the 'magic on tape'.

--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (President of the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter)

--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer Songwriter)

--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really speaks to everyday people..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)

Songwriter from Ann Arbor.  My Soundcloud account is only featuring two singles from my recent record, and to share private songs with my songwriting club. You can hear my official releases at www.mikevial.com/music (which has Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Bandcamp links and more.)

Mike Bargardi is following