From his earliest recollection Christopher had an awareness of the magic and power of sound.  Although raw and untrained he says his sense of harmony, melody and rhythm was a constant childhood companion. Whether it be hearing rhythms in his head that lined up with his footfalls on the side walk (avoiding all the cracks of course), or singing harmonies to the theme songs of his favorite cartoons and the 70’s A.M. hits he heard from the back seat of his parents AMC gremlin, the music was always “there”. Growing up in a family that made music as a vocation was the perfect training ground for what was to be a lifelong passion. His Grandparents played in a country band together. His father and uncles all payed music and had uncounted bands and various musical engagements over the years. In his own words “It wasn’t a thing at all. We didn’t really think about it. It was our life. Some kids inherit the family butcher shop. I got a guitar.” Family gatherings were marked by many friends, warm camaraderie, and music. 

It became apparent quickly to Chris that no matter what other pursuits he engaged in that music was not going to be ignored. His fathers band Alive N’ Pickn garnered great local and semi national success and were the early examples of what was possible. Chris says “I never had to wonder what it was like backstage...I lived there. They were rock stars to me. “I learned music, and life from them”. During high school it became apparent to Chris that although wonderful and satisfying as it was to play by ear and perform all the music of his grandparents, and parents there had to be more. Fueled by his early experiences with grandfather “Red” Fennelley playing Benny Goodman, Mozart, Frank Sinatra, and many other standards of the jazz and classical world on his 8 track tape player in the old Buick, Chris was hearing the call of both the jazz and classical sound. This lead to the desire to learn to read music and eventual enter the music department an R.I.C. 

During his time at R.I.C. Chris honed the instrumental skills that were to inform his performing and songwriting in the future. The fusion of classical finger-style training mixed with a jazz twinged harmonic flavor and that ever present rhythmic sensibility make for a truly singular expression. 

Chris has performed with the R.I.C. Chamber Orchestra, Co-wrote and debuted an original composition titled “Water” on a concert with the R.I.C. Orchestra, was awarded the Bicho memorial scholarship for performance as well as a Special Talent award for the length of his time at R.I.C. After graduating Chris continued to write, record, and perform in the Providence R.I. area developing his technological and music skills. His trio opened for the Spin Doctors in Providence as well as many other well loved performances in local venues. The new album After the Storm Clears by the duo Virginia James will be the first release combining his efforts with Alicia Ruggiero on violin/fiddle. She is not only his musical soul mate but life and love partner as well. Things continue to look brighter and more exciting for this duo as their career begins to pick up momentum. Stay tuned to hear the vibrations coming next. 

Christopher “James” Farias

Alicia “Virginia” Ruggiero

Alicia grew up in Providence, Rhode Island with her 2 older sisters and 2 younger brothers.  Though this wasn’t a family of musicians, music was always in the house.   Mom loves to sing and, as she likes to put it, “Dad plays a mean stereo”. With 7 foot speakers balanced on triangle weights, a turn table containing nothing less than a diamond needle also balanced on weights, copper tubing, custom made pre-amps that were being brought in and tested time and time again by his stereo friends, you could hear this system up the street clear as a bell.  There was and still is a collection of records that could easily fill a small record store ranging from Puccini to Floyd.  It’s no wonder Alicia’s choices in music are so varied.  At one point it became a tradition for Alicia to sing “Tomorrow” from Annie along with the stereo when guests would come over (but only if she got extra ice cream).  She was always interested in playing music and of all the instruments she felt drawn to, the violin was the one that struck her the most.   When she was 11,  her mom came home from work one day and mentioned meeting a violin teacher and asked her if she was interested in playing. That was it!

She studied classical violin with Elizabeth Monacelli and later with John Summerlin at Rhode Island College.  She also took a few lessons from various teachers and has played in various orchestras, chamber orchestras, quartets, trios etc on her classical journey.  When Alicia graduated from RIC she moved to California and changed her genre completely, beginning with straight improvisation to folk, classic rock, country, blues, Irish/Celtic fiddle, bluegrass, hip hop, some jazz and anything else she happened upon.   Early on she released an album with her first band Tefflon along with Devin Swanson called The Morning Way.  While in San Diego she played with various artists and recorded on their albums as well.  She continued this pattern as she moved to South Korea and later met up with her good friend and colleague Mitch Budd in Denmark and performed and recorded with him and various artists around Europe which also included radio performances and interviews.  She continued to travel and perform in Australia and then to Taiwan where she landed a gig in a country band called Two Acres Plowed and back to Europe.  She eventually made her way home to Rhode Island where she began playing with Consuelo's Revenge, The Pourmen and  Airplay.  Eventually she ran into one of her old college friends Christopher James Farias and after collaborating on a wedding gig realized there was something there musically.  Little did she know that would soon change to something much more.  They continue to perform and write together under the new name Virginia James (their middle names combined, named after very special influences in their lives).  The release of their new album, After the Storm Clears, is the first of many of their projects to be coming your way so stay tuned!