and as Jones and Leva with Carol Elizabeth Jones. One recent recording, Memory Theatre, features guitarist John Doyle (Eileen Ivers Band, Tim O'Brien Band). James can also be heard on recordings by other artists including Mark Schatz, David Grier, Kathy Kallick and Robin and Linda Williams.  In addition to his work as a performer, James is highly sought after as a teacher of the fiddle, banjo, and singing, having taught at countless festivals and music camps throughout the U.S. including The Swannanoa Gathering, the Augusta Heritage Festival, Summer Solstice Festival, and numerous others. James is a natural and inventive teacher, filling his classes with fun and encouragement while spreading his passion for tradition. 

James Leva and Purgatory Mountain released their new CD, "Winkin' Eye" February 2007.

James Leva is a prolific composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, whose virtuosity on fiddle, clawhammer banjo and guitar blends the melodies of the traditional Appalachian lands and their ancient descendants into one powerful musical vision. The poignant ballads of the southern Appalachians and evocative original compositions all find a musical common ground in James’ music.

James’ reputation as a master musician, singer and old time fiddler is embodied in his technical skill, eclectic repertoire, musical sensitivity, and innovative style. His journey of learning and musical enrichment has been greatly enhanced by study and friendship with many of his musical role-models, like Tommy Jarrell, Fred Cockerham and Doug Wallin. James works to retain the profundity and beauty of the ancient traditions he learned first hand while continuing to grow as a musician and writer in a new century. 

The subject of feature articles in Sing Out!, Acoustic Guitar, Dirty Linen, Music Matters Review, James has been widely praised in the music press for his songwriting, fiddling and singing. He has played festivals such as Merlefest, Telluride, RockyGrass, GrassRoots, Strawberry, Live Oak and many others in the US, and the Tonder, Nyon, and Avignon Festivals, amongst numerous others in Europe. He has played in, written for, and recorded with cutting edge bands including Ace Weems and the Fat Meat Boys (with Chad Crumm), Plank Road (with Al Tharp of Beausoleil), The Hellbenders (with Bruce Molsky, The Renegades (with Richie Stearns), The Freewill Savages (with Al Tharp, Dirk Powell and Dave Grant)

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James Leva and Purgatory Mountain
james@jamesleva.com
540-464-6526
385 Question Mark Lane
Lexington, VA 24450

James Leva  plays a Bourgeois guitar.