Sounds Good Webzine
I would define James as an audacious musician who loves to take risks, just enough to stand out from the crowd. “Until I Set Him Free”, his debut album, is a hymn to a certain kind of melody, well-researched and field-tested. Listening to the eleven tracks, a general melodic line leaps to the surface—detuned, yet desired, anticipated. It sets a precedent, creates something that in music might be taboo.
In short, James Batty plays in a timeless genre. There are still not many willing to revive this courageous musical style and bring it back into vogue. James presents an original instrumental offering that demands attention, making it a pleasure to listen to and not stereotyped. A piano whose intensity of expression successfully creates a vivid soundworld. The pieces all have their own “whys” and slip past with energy, played as if commanded by God.
In my opinion, this is more than enough to recommend a record like “Until I Set Him Free”. But the nicest thing about this album is that besides being really individual, it makes you want to listen again once you reach the end. This is surely a sign that the artist has a lot to say and manages to establish a chemistry with his listeners. We are already waiting for the next album to see future developments from James’s studio.