NEW ALBUM!

Good Water Safe Camp

James Dean Cotton

This album contains nearly four years of writing some of my most personal songs. Several are tributes to great people. Others, tributes to great memories. There's an environmental thread. There’s tragedy, travel, death, despair, love and hope and it won’t be long until they give way to updated versions and the things we so cherish simply become
This album contains nearly four years of writing some of my most personal songs. Several are tributes to great people. Others, tributes to great memories. There's an environmental thread. There’s tragedy, travel, death, despair, love and hope and it won’t be long until they give way to updated versions and the things we so cherish simply become The Faded Black and White. That’s how it’s always been.
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MORE Music!

Basement Songs (2019-2021)

James Dean Cotton

"Basement Songs (2019-2021)" was recorded in my basement studio. These songs were written during isolation and cover a range of topics, from managing online excess to managing my own emotional state; from sadness to nostalgia to hope. See if they connect for you.
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james dean (2020)

James Dean Cotton

Picking up the pieces of the various single releases, this album has various themes, but maybe the most pervasive is SURVIVAL, and all the extremes we go to to ensure it.
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Blue | Green (2018)

James Dean Cotton

All songs were written while living in the Pacific Northwest, most within the past year, a couple many years ago. I enjoyed making this album so much. I hope you enjoy hearing it.
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The Same Boat (remix2)

James Dean Cotton

The original release was only vocals and piano, but this song needed to be bigger. Besides the solo vocals, this arrangement contains piano, two cellos, bass, acoustic guitar and drums. Just seems to fit better.
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One Way Ticket Home

James Dean Cotton

I started the lyrics for this song as I was packing to go home to Missouri to be with my dad during his last days. I didn't know how long I would be there, just that I'd be there to the end. And though I'd traveled a lot, I'd never bought a one way ticket. It felt so final.

I stayed two weeks. Saw dad through to the end. This song is dedicated to
I started the lyrics for this song as I was packing to go home to Missouri to be with my dad during his last days. I didn't know how long I would be there, just that I'd be there to the end. And though I'd traveled a lot, I'd never bought a one way ticket. It felt so final.

I stayed two weeks. Saw dad through to the end. This song is dedicated to him.
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California Burning

James Dean Cotton

The Camp Fire wildfire of 2018 devastated the California towns of Paradise, Magalia, Concow and several surrounding communities. This song was written in memory of the lives and homes lost, the bravery of the firefighters and front line personnel, and the survivors. Extreme wildfires have become the norm around the world, and demand attention.
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Calendar

A monthly 'songwriters in the round' residency at C & P Coffee Company in West Seattle. The live original concerts will be on the first Saturday of each month, between 7 and 9 pm, barring any booked special events. These will be unplugged, original-music concerts with three singer-songwriters sharing the stage and trading songs. C & P is a warm and welcoming space, which has always been one of my favorite venues. We invite you to share our wonderful intimate evenings of heartfelt music.

About

Aside from a career as a materials scientist, Seattle-based singer/songwriter, James Dean Cotton, is best known for performances at local coffeeshops and participation in the Northwest Folklife Festival. He's also one half of the local neo-folk band, ZuCo. Originally from Missouri, his style draws heavily on the singer-songwriters of the 1970's, such as James Taylor, Neil Young and Paul Simon, fusing native bluegrass with country, rock, jazz and blues elements.  JD has several albums released and is always writing the next.

Guest Book

Contact

 For bookings, licensing, sync placement and songwriting projects, contact JD at: jdcottonmusic@gmail.com