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In the heart of the Hawkesbury lives a man whose greatest love story isn't with a person — it's with a pocket-sized instrument that changed his life - the humble harmonica.
James, a familiar face at the Kurrajong Bowling Club and a dedicated member of the Macquarie Folks Club, has been charming audiences with the soulful sound of his harmonica for years. But his musical journey started in a most unexpected way.
“I was 28 when I was taken off the football field on a stretcher,” James recalls with a grin. “That was the end of my football career. Running and age don’t mix!”
It was during recovery that James turned to music — not just any music, but the harmonica. When asked why he chose it, his answer is practical and poetic:
“It was small, robust, cheap — I didn’t have to put it on display, and I could practice anywhere and everywhere. Bus stop, doctor’s office… you name it.”
James didn’t wait for perfection to share his new passion. His first public performance came at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“Before I was even any good, I jumped on stage with a band. I just had fun — it’s all about fun,” he says. “They thought it was fun too. I'm still in that band today.”
Now, James continues to spread joy through music with the Macquarie Folks Club. They perform regularly at the Wilberforce School of Arts, Kurrajong Heights Bowling Club, and other local venues. Their most recent gig on June 29 drew a crowd of over 50 people — a testament to the community’s appreciation for music made with heart.
“I never imagined the harmonica would take me this far,” James says. “But it’s become part of who I am.”
From the sidelines of a football field to the spotlight of a stage, James’s story is a reminder that sometimes, life’s detours lead to the sweetest melodies.
