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Press
Bio
(pdf)
One sheet - WILL (pdf)
Live Reviews
"The evening's opening act, The Blue James Band, showcased its acoustic/electric jam-pop, never straying far from the formula that makes it successful - catchy hooks, reggae-tinged grooves and chops-laden solos. Frontman Clifton Williams and keyboardist Valerie Taylor's harmonies complement each other perfectly (as on "Believe") and an impeccably tight drums and bass combo allows them to trade solos with equal aplomb ("Full Circle"). It didn't take long – just two songs - before the Blue James Band had the first dancer of the night on her feet, swaying and flailing as the band chugged along happily and handily."
-Jambase.com review for BJB opening for The Mother Hips
Reviews for "WILL"
"Will is music for the min d with body shaking grooves."
-Bill Whiting, An Honest Tune
"The songs on "Will" are sophisticated and intricate, yet they never sound less than organic." -Bill's Music Forum
"(BJB) incorporates a little bit of reggae, a little bit of funk, but are rooted in good ol’ rock and roll." -APOC, UCONN radio
"Warm and Organic." -Michael Popke, Sea of Tranquility
"Excellent music for a barbeque." -Jeff Giles, Eat Sleep Drink Music
Reviews for "That's That "
• “That's That
may be one of the best-played albums we've reviewed this month.”
- Phillip Buchan, Splendid
Magazine
• “Cliff writes
and produces these songs with intense personality, honesty and a
unique individual vibe. Lucky for him, however, is that he also
has a very talented band standing not behind him but rather right
next to him, and sometimes in front of him. The ending result is
a muscular but mellow acoustic-based rock and roll that is a pleasure
to listen to, with a funk that is easy to dance to and lyrics that
are easy to relate to. Blue James Band is making a splash in the
mid and south west with this kind music and their reputation for
free spirited jams is a big part of why.”
-Dave Terpeny, Kynd
Music
• “L.A.’s
Blue James Band combines groove-oriented jams and bouncy melody-driven
songs with a distinct lyrical style...”
–Michael Popke, Sea
of Tranquility
• “Along the
same lines as Blues Traveler, Blue James Band is a group of well
seasoned musicians. This band has serious groove and is tight every
step of the way, this CD is well produced and fits the songs that
the band flows freely through track after track. I can see this
band being a hit with all the audiences that see them on their tour
this summer.”
-West
Coast Independent
Bio
The Blue James Band is a rock, reaggae, folk, and funk
train riding through the world of music. With songs that are catchy yet complex and live shows that vary from focused to
experimental, the Blue James Band has rocked the souls of
music lovers everywhere.
The captain of this train is Clifton Williams. Clifton is a guitar-wielding, song-writing machine
with a love for skillful rock-n-roll that ranges from Paul Simon to Metallica to Bob Marley. These
influences shine through the songs of the Blue James Band, which are funky, progressive, melodic,
and fun. On keys sits the lovely Valerie Taylor, the reigning queen of funk. Rounding out the rhythm
section are the masterful Patrick Tiglao on drums and Bryan Worley on bass, two of the most
dynamic players around town.
WILL, released by Chappy Payne Records, is the band’s latest album. With veteran mixer
Jack Gauthier (Dispatch, State Radio) on the roster and Clifton producing, WILL has a decidedly
rootsy and organic vibe. The pop-infused “Don’t Waste the Days” and the reggae-tinged “Believe” have memorable hooks and loads of lyrical style, while “Sunday Afternoon” and “If It Were Up To Me”
showcase the impressive musicianship the band is known for. Simply put, WILL will rock your socks off.
On the heels of WILL’s success, the music of the Blue James Band has spread to many new faces
and places. The band has had the pleasure of opening for artists such as: Victor Wooten, Rusted Root,
Tim Reynolds, The Mother Hips, Hot Buttered Rum, and Elvin Bishop.
With tours booked on both coasts and more high-profile opening gigs on the horizon, 2010 is shaping
up to be another stellar year for the Blue James Band.
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