The Artist
JAMESBRANAM

Writer · Musician · Songwriter · Photographer

"I write because I can't stop. I make music because the words alone are never enough. I photograph because some things refuse to be written."
— Jambra

"A writer, musician, and photographer who has spent a lifetime turning observation into form — in words, in sound, in light."

Born in the hills of southern Indiana in the US midwest, atfer studying six foreign languages, moved to Europe in 1983 with the U.S. Air Force. PLayed in two bands in West Germany before moving to Prague in 1993. Graduate of Oregon State University.

Published first book in 1995, many more were to follow, includuing three full-length novels, one in English and two in Czech. Publish more than 100 articles for Bridge magazine. Taught high school English and German. Winner of Fragment's Long-term Successful Publication Award in 2005 for Angličtina pro Samouky (with Iva Dostálová and Šárka Zelenková)

Started performing as a solo artist in 1994 and then with two other musicians in 1995, touring the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Winner of the 1996 Trampská Porta Songwriting Award for the song Nuselské Blues. Six songs played on Czech radio stations.

Enjoys photographing people and places. and sharing memories with others around the globe.  

50+
Books
3
Novels
6
Albums
40
Countries

Timeline

2026
Second Czech novel finished
"Kde Domov můj: Můj český osud".
2026
First Czech novel finished
Odvedení pozornosti.
2025-26
Five more albums released
Old songs, re-recorded.
2022
First novel published
"The Easy Way Out".
1999
First album released
"Playing for Time".
1995
First book published
"Mistaken Identity" published by Fragment.
1975
First song written
"Why Does All My Talking Get You Down".

Languages

English
Native
Czech
Fluent
German
Fluent
Slovak
Advanced
Danish
Intermediate
Russian
Basic

Press & Recognition

"James is the only American I've ever met who sings and composes in four languages. His Czech songs have endeared him to many  here in the Czech Republic, including myself." - Eduard Parma Jr.      

The Prague Post · 1998

Currently enjoying life and expressing my creativity through books, music, and other creative activities. 

Work Together

Open to collaborations, licensing, commissions, and interviews.