A critically acclaimed #1 album and a major USA tour. It has been quite a year for James. In an exclusive interview, we meet Saul Davies, the Portugal-based driving force behind one of the UK’s biggest bands.
It takes something exceptional for a band that’s been creating music for the best part of 40 years to still be topping the album charts, but that’s exactly what James did this year with the release of their 18th studio album, Yummy. “You never know how people will react to a new album,” said Saul. “After all these years, it feels quite special.”
James has never been your typical band. They’ve survived a six-year hiatus, grown into a nine-person ensemble and made the journey from the suburbs of Manchester, via its legendary Hacienda night club, to the biggest stages of the world, winning an Ivor Novello Award along the way. Throughout their journey, they’ve taken their fan base with them whilst, at the same time, gaining many new devotees.
On 7 December, they’ll be performing their final gig of the year here in Portugal. For Saul Davies, percussionist, violinist and guitarist, closing the year in Portugal is an ideal way to end a hectic 12 months. This is the country he calls home and has a deep affinity with. “I connect with Portugal in a very meaningful way,” he said.
It’s odd seeing (and hearing) a British artist speaking Portuguese but, whether it’s on Rádio Comercial or RTP or any other media platform, that’s what Saul can do, such is his fluency with the language. So, where did this love of Portugal originate? It was in Porto, backstage after a James concert, that Saul met his former wife, a Portuguese national. Within a year, they were married in a ceremony held in Vila Nova de Cerveira in the district of Viana do Castelo, with all band members in attendance. They went on to make their home in Portugal and have two children together, both of whom are Portuguese nationals.
Saul now has a grandchild, who was also born in Portugal, and a new partner, who is also a Portuguese national. They share a property together near Alvito in the district of Beja. With a population of less than 3,000, it’s the perfect place to experience Portuguese life. One of Saul’s favourite things is to go running along the local pathways and live in an area of Portugal that still has a strong sense of community and tradition. “I’m proud to be a resident,” he said. “When I received my Cartão de Residência, it really had meaning for me. It felt like the country and its people value me and expect certain things from me. I felt an obligation to contribute.”
Saul’s connection with Portugal has attracted the attention of numerous media outlets and brought James a dedicated following here. In June, they performed at Rock in Rio in Lisbon, returning again in August for concerts in Crato in the district of Alentejo and Vila Nova de Paiva in the district of Viseu. The band have used their status to develop the Many Faces initiative, whereby they joined forces with FC Porto to help promote inclusion, respect and equality. A new version of their ‘Many Faces’ song was recorded with guest musicians, and performed at FC Porto’s stadium. A video was also created and broadcast via numerous media outlets. As the song goes, “There are many faces, but only one human race. Everyone belongs here.”
As for Portuguese music, Saul lists Surma, The Gift, The Legendary Tigerman and EZ Special, a band he co-produced, as being some of his favourite artists. So much has changed in the music industry since Saul joined the band back in 1989. “It’s much easier to make music now,” he said, “and cheaper. The finances behind it have changed beyond all recognition. With streaming, sales of records and CDs bring in little income. It’s the concerts and merchandising that make the difference. I think we all just feel very fortunate to be making a living out of doing something creative that we love.”
With such a fantastic backlog, James could be forgiven for relying on their hits, but that has never been their way. The new album is full of vibrant new songs and their status as one of the best live bands in the world continues. Indeed, James could never be accused of resting on their laurels. In January, they will be releasing a new live album. Filmed this summer, James, Live at the Acropolis will be out 31 January 2025 and is available now to pre-order. They’ll also be back in the studio recording new tracks. Twelve UK concerts for summer 2025 are already scheduled, with more likely to be added. See the band’s website (below) for more information about the new album and their 2025 itinerary.
It was a pleasure speaking with Saul. He’s clearly an artist who cares deeply about his band and the connection they have with their fans. He’s also someone who has developed a very meaningful connection and love for Portugal.
Tickets for Festival Authentica on 7 December are available at ticketline.sapo.pt
