Along with the aforementioned blues greats, James cites musicians such as Jeff Lang, John Lee Hooker, Lloyd Spiegel, Paul Simon and Skip James as important influences on his guitar playing, songwriting and general approach to a career in music.

James has steadily advanced to playing regular gigs since early 2004, eventually leading to a breakthrough opportunity to play alongside Melbourne Blues Musician Lloyd Spiegel at ‘Blue to the Bone’ one of Perths premier Blues venues in late 2004. This led to a friendship between the two. “Lloyd has given me so much in so little time, most importantly his support and approval of my songs, something very humbling to me considering his abilities and credibility”, James says.

Shows have since included supports for ‘The Bondi Cigars’ at the Perth Blues Club. “Rick (Steele, President) has been so supportive of what I am trying to do; his encouragement has further motivated me to keep playing as well as possible”. James has also hosted the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s (MBAS) blues night at the Cornish Arms something particularly special to Tompo due to the strength of the Melbourne Blues scene. Performances also took place at the Frankston Guitar Festival in the prestigious finger-picking competition and demonstrations with Perth based luthier Andrew Ellis playing his seven string resonator guitar. James has also performed alongside the likes of Collard, Greens and Gravy, The Black Sorrows at the Mordialloc Music by the Bay as well as gigs supporting Queensland songsmith Loren.

With the new E.P “Light your Way” recorded, James has been played on Triple J’s ‘Roots n All’ program which has been a terriffic boost, increasing exposure and interest.