James Yorkston

The Profile

James Yorkston is a Scottish singer-songwriter from Fife associated with the Fence Collective and long released by Domino Records. He records solo, with The Athletes, and in the trio Yorkston/Thorne/Khan. Albums such as Moving Up Country, The Year of the Leopard, When the Haar Rolls In, I Was a Cat from a Book, The Route to the Harmonium, The Wide, Wide River, and The Great White Sea Eagle have cemented his place in contemporary folk.

Scottish folk artist; member of the Fence Collective; releases on Domino Records; performs solo, with James Yorkston & The Athletes, and in Yorkston/Thorne/Khan; When the Haar Rolls In (2008) features traditional-leaning arrangements and guests including Norma Waterson, Mike Waterson, Mary Gilhooly, Olly Knight, and Nancy Elizabeth Cunliffe (as cited in the review).

A warmly received look at When the Haar Rolls In highlights Yorkston’s acoustic folk refined by rich, traditional arrangements and evocative storytelling. The review praises duets, instrumental subtlety, and a misty Scottish atmosphere. Comparisons to Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Bert Jansch, and John Martyn underline the record’s lineage. Standout songs include Queen of Spain, Tortoise Regrets Hare, Midnight Feast, and Temptation.