BEST MUSIC POLL
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PORTLAND
Best R&B/Soul/Blues Act in Portland
Samuel James
In the right hands, the guitar can surpass any other medium when it comes to storytelling. Samuel James has got the right hands. As he strums, picks, and slides away, James weaves tales of love and loss to rival bluesmen of all eras. While taking cues from the likes of Son House and Mississippi John Hurt, his updated brand of the dirty 12-bar has sent him all over the world sharing stages with artists including Kanye West and Aretha Franklin. While his blistering instrumental work can turn a single six-string and two shoes into an entire four-piece band, his lyrics are what set him apart. James considers himself a songster following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather — both musicians themselves.
Runners-up
2. Sly-Chi
3. Kenya Hall
4. Tony McNaboe
Samuel James
Samuel James was born three years ago in a attic apartment on Dartmouth St. Recently...
