Morgantown, WV – This past Saturday was a send off for Samuel James as he packs his bags and jumps in his “Compact” car to head west to where the grass is bluer. We stopped by to check out the show that featured Samuel, an opening set from Andrew Parsons & Seneca, and a closing set from Born & Bred Artist of The Year, Alabaster Boxer. We also spoke to Samuel James about why he’s moving and what’s next for him.

The evening at 123 Pleasant St. was kicked off by relative newcomers, Andrew Parsons & Seneca. We’ve only seen snippets of this band and did not know what to expect. What we quickly concluded is that this band is one to watch. A young audience sang along to every word, danced and demanded more when the five piece concluded. The reaction of the crowd was enough to say that this band is headed somewhere as they find their feet and push forward into the musical landscape. We believe these guys are on to bigger things very quickly. Stay tuned for more from them.

Samuel James stepped up to the plate to deliver his last at bat in Motown for a while. Joined by a slew of talented musicians, James played his original music for the crowd at 123 as he intertwined stories of the songs throughout. The originals were interspersed with covers and jam sessions that showed off the immense skill of everyone on stage. At points throughout the evening they were joined by other artists, Tucker Knissel, Grace Campbell, Roy Fridley and his father Jim Snyder. Samuel went out in style and heads to his next stop, which you can read about below.

The evening closed out with a stellar performance from Alabaster Boxer. The six guys that make up this folk-pop-rock put on a show that will always leave you waiting for the next gig. They turned out a slew of fantastic originals which included two new tracks that are soon to recorded and released. Alabaster puts on a masterclass in crowd engagement and how to organize a set that takes you on a journey of highs and lows. And then they top it off with what can only be described as a cacophony of manic vocal parts that coalesce into a harmonious blend that only the most creative amongst us can write. They shut down 123 in the best way possible.

The following is our conversation with Samuel James about this final show and what’s next for him.

You played what you’re calling your last show in Morgantown for a while. And there were mentions of a move during your set. Where are you headed?

I’m going to be making a move to Kentucky right outside of Cincinnati. It’s going to be a big change moving out of the state for the first time in my life, but change is good, scary, but good. It’s time to plant some new roots.

What is the reason for the move and what’s next?

Low Gap, a band based in Newport, Kentucky, asked me a few months ago if I could come join the band full-time as a bass player. After spending January touring Texas with those guys, I’ve secured my spot in the band. With their following being roughly 150k monthly listeners on Spotify and having “Mockingbird” just hit 1M streams, they are providing the quickest “shot” to “make it” currently.

Why did you want your last show here to be at 123?

In the Summer of ‘22 I released my first album, Love Bubble Rush. With the help of Crafted Events Productions and 123 Pleasant Street, I was able to showcase the songs that came out of me. I thought it was only suitable to mark a new chapter at the venue it started for me. 123 Pleasant will always have a special place, not just in my heart, but in Morgantown and the West Virginia music scene.

You had Andrew Parsons & Seneca and Lewisburg based, Alabaster Boxer join you for this show. What was it about them that you wanted them to be on this bill?

The boys in Seneca remind me of myself a few years back and wanting to make this thing work as a career. They’re young and eager to play, that’s how you have to be these days. I’d never seen either of the bands live before, but had only heard good things. Spending my first 18 years in Greenbrier County, I still keep up with what goes on in my hometown. Alabaster Boxer has had a lot of buzz lately and I wanted to show the northern part of the state what they can do. Both groups brought the heat on Saturday.

Are you still going to be releasing solo music or will your focus be on this new endeavor?

I’ll never give up on my own music. I’m an artist at the end of the day. I wouldn’t be happy without following my heart. I have more to say with my music. Hopefully, I can learn from the Low Gap boys more about the industry and use that knowledge to aid my own career.

Where can people find the band?

It’s been a pleasure to play with Greer Lambert, Kaleb Asmussen, and Dalton Matheny as well as many others that I have gotten to share the stage with. These guys have become brothers to me, as many others in this profession do. Greer has his own career in the Jazz world. Kaleb has his own solo project he’s getting going. Dalton has his hands in many jars, one being with Grace Campbell and Good Company. I have a feeling all of these names will be heard in the music scene for a while. This isn’t goodbye, just the end of a chapter that has been so vital to my growth as an artist.

Good luck to Samuel James on this next chapter in his musical journey. We can’t wait to see where the road takes him.

#2025