Tailwind or Tornado??

IF you were to leaf through an imaginary journal of the journey leading up to the July
2009 release of Harmony James’ debut album Tailwind you would unearth some
surprising scenarios and a clear picture of the extent of determination and resilience
driving this woman. She has the grit crucial to survive a tough industry and is blessed
with talent certain to season brilliantly.

Born the fifth child of a Melbournian Baptist minister and his incomparable wife Robin, whose family ultimately numbered twelve, eight girls outnumbering four boys, and for around twenty-five years, Robin home-tutored some or all from Grades 1 -12, with several now Uni graduates. Asked about the pecking order in such a brood Harmony quipped: “Ten of us had middle child syndrome”.

She recalls a blithely happy childhood within the confines of a strict religious upbringing. Key among early memories are singing; at home, at church, and anywhere else she was allowed to make a noise There was insatiable reading and no television but oodles of books, and wearing out a circle of lawn in the backyard cantering her pretend pony at Pretend Pony Club.

Those recollections are significant in light of Ms James’ emergence as a formidable
country singer-songwriter.