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.
