When an elementary child is asked what they wish to be when they grow up, there are several answers they may give: a police officer, a fireman, a lawyer or an astronaut. As they grow older they realize their taste in life changes drastically. Once they really enjoyed eating peanuts, and now they hate them, or they begin to enjoy reading, which once gave them nightmares. As adults, reality kicks in and they begin to look towards becoming a rich businessman or woman, leaving behind their once-dream of becoming a movie star or singer.
James Clarkston lives his dream, every single day. As a self-taught musician and composer, he plays for people around the country, famous or every day folk, but he plays with conviction and passion. This is not a hobby for him; he does not have a day job. This is his day job; he makes a living solely from playing his guitar. He is a dreamer and a liver. His first inspiration for picking up a guitar was New York City’s 1973 rock band, KISS, but “credits Randy Rhoads for introducing him to the classic guitar.” Currently, he calls himself a “nouveau Flamenco guitarist-composer,” but describes his sound as a “modern interpretation of Flamenco, Native-American, Mexican, Middle-Eastern and Classical guitar,” but not leaving out his other influences like Ottmar Liebert, Andres Segovia, Carlos Montoya and the Gypsy Kings.
His website states that about 5,000 people own his CDs and President George Bush Sr., First Lady Barbara Bush, President Bill Clinton, Edward James Olmos and Flaco Jimenez happen to be among these. Not only do the famous know him, but he has actually performed for them all over the US. Lucky for El Pasoans, he lives here in the city where he was born and raised, and he might just play at your next family party. He performs at weddings, receptions, dinners, grand-openings, birthdays and anything one’s heart desires; but only if he is available.
His CDs, which have been listened to by over 5,000 people, are Portraits of a Guitarist, Infinite Possibilities, Enchanted Canyon, La Placita, Christmas Guitar Classics, and Christmas Guitar Classics II, which have all been composed and recorded by James. Combining several aspects of music into these CDs, they are sure to be one-of-a-kind. Not only do these CDs share worldly sounds, but the amount of instruments used to create just one CD is enough for a marching band. In Portraits of a Guitarist, James uses a flamenco guitar, 12 string guitar, dobro, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, palmas, shakers, hand drums, tambourine and of course, his vocals.
James is a selfless musician who not only travels the country to share his music, but also gives music lessons at his local business called Clarkston Arts, Guitars and Gifts. He teaches several instruments, one being the guitar, of course; the others are bass guitar, harmonica and the Hawaiian ukulele. For guitar, the “lessons are half an hour of individual instruction,” James says, “I teach children starting at age 8 and adults of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.” James also states that he teaches all styles of music, from classical to modern rock. He says, “Some students even bring in [CDs] and iPods with songs they want to learn in the lesson. I teach them what key the song is in and any technique involved in playing it.” Every year, James holds a recital for his students to show off their new skills to their parents and friends in an audience setting.
Alongside his natural musical talent, James also performs for television and radio commercials incorporating his music. He licensed his original song called, “La Placita” to the German Company ITO (International Transportation Organization), in an effort to welcome German families moving into the area, in videos given to each family. The German Company makes about 400 videos each year about El Paso and Ft. Bliss, and it happens to feature this song. He was also invited by El Paso’s Mayor, John Cook, to perform “El Paso Is Your Land”, on his radio commercial just before being re-elected as Mayor.
If you are interested in reading more about James Clarkston and his business, Clarkston Arts, Guitars and Gifts, please visit his home page at www.jamesclarkston.com.
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This story was originally published in the July 2008 issue of El Paso Magazine. To purchase the archive copy, visit www.epmediagroup.com/subscribe and choose Archive Issue $5 from the drop down menu and complete the transaction online. Or send a $5 check to El Paso Magazine Archives at 416 N. Stanton St., El Paso, TX 79901
