When blues legend
James Montgomery sings and plays the harmonica, he summons the power and inspiration of a rich history. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters — James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells — at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of its most dynamic performers.
In the late 60s James moved to Boston and formed the James Montgomery Band. Incredibly energetic live shows placed them among the hottest acts in New England alongside the J. Geils Band and the budding Aerosmith (who opened two shows for the Montgomery Band), and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records. Since that time, James has recorded eight albums. His releases have hit the Billboard Top Ten and included members of the David Letterman Band, the Uptown Horns, producer Allen Toussaint and other luminaries.
James spent four years playing with
Johnny Winter, and recorded on his Grammy-nominated “Bluesman” CD. He has also recorded with Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker. James has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others, and performed onstage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, and Peter Wolf among many others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax”.
FROM DETROIT TO THE DELTA finds James and his great band once again in the company of well-known friends:
Johnny Winter plays some blazing slide guitar,
James Cotton joins James in a lowdown country blues, Aerosmith’s
Joey Kramer and
Brad Whitford power up a couple tracks, the
Uptown Horns add their special flavor, and rapper
DMC (Run DMC) takes “Who Do You Love” to a whole new place.
Tell Vizztone to re-release the original James Montgomery Band album. I have it on vinyl and have been looking for digital copy for years!
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