Following the acclaim of his debut album Source, melodeon player James Kerry returns with the James Kerry Trio for their latest studio release, Tributaries. Available now from Bandcamp and across all platforms, the album marks a significant step forward in the trio’s sound, featuring a higher proportion of original compositions alongside expertly reimagined traditional material.

While Source introduced listeners to Kerry’s ensemble-led approach, Tributaries deepens that collaboration and continues the river/waterways theme. The album presents a unified band sound where the arrangements are as much about the space between the notes as the melodies themselves. From driving, rhythmically complex sets to more contemplative, melodic tracks, the record captures the energy of a trio at the peak of their craft. The trio embarked on a UK and Europe tour in October 2025 and initial response was amazing.

The Trio. The hallmark of Tributaries is the intricate interplay between three of the scene’s most dedicated musicians:
• James Kerry (Melodeon): Known for his rhythmic, dance-inspired style and deep roots in the English tradition, Kerry provides the melodic heart of the album. His original tunes on this record showcase a maturing compositional voice that respects tradition while pushing into contemporary territory.
• Tom Kitching (Fiddle & Mandolin): A powerhouse of the English folk scene, Kitching’s contribution is vital to the album’s texture. Bringing his signature “gritty and honest” style, his fiddle playing acts as a sophisticated counterpoint to the melodeon.
• Danny Tonks (Guitar): Providing the engine room for the trio, Tonks’ percussive fingerstyle guitar and nuanced harmonic foundations bind the melodic instruments together, creating a full, resonant ensemble sound.

A Focus on originality. Tributaries stands out for its wealth of new music. While the trio remains firmly grounded in the English tradition, the increased focus on original writing allows the band to explore more complex arrangements and emotive storytelling. The result is an album that feels both familiar and entirely fresh—a testament to the trio’s ability to innovate within the framework of traditional folk.
Tributaries is available now on all major streaming platforms and in physical format via Bandcamp.

Available from Bandcamp and all other major online platforms