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Nathan
James Reviews
Review #1.
This
Road is Mine
Nathan James
Pacific Blues Records
a review by Chet Cannon
This talented young man has played the
guitar since before High School, and once you have heard him you will
agree that he has drawn inspiration from deep in the roots of this music
we know as the blues.
I've been a fan since first hearing Nathan
tear it up with Billy Watson as a part of The Blues Pharaohs in a fundraiser
for the San Diego Blues Society that was held down at Buffalo Joe's back
in 1997.
My initial thoughts "where are they
from?" and "where else do they work?" he continues to amaze
me, not only by his musical abilities, but with the constant sense of
authenticity felt and heard in his music, as well as the professionalism
displayed in each of his appearances.
From early Delta, to the pre-war Piedmont stylings, the amplified South
Side, or more rhythm driven West Side of Chicago, Texas, Louisiana, West
Coast or the more contemporary music of today. Nathan James is one cat
that really plays it all with heart, soul and sincerety. He has done his
homework and a fair share of wood-shedding in his quest to play the blues,
and it shows whenever he plays.
Do you enjoy music by cats like Big Bill
Broonzy, Mance Lipscomb, Tampa Red, Brownie McGhee, or Jimmy Rogers? Well,
of course you do. . . so do I!
Have you been out in the live blues scene of San Diego or Orange County
at all in the last five or six years? If so, you have most likely heard
him play with some other very cool and talented people like James Harman,
Candye Kane, Billy Watson, The Fremonts, Jamie Woods, Ben Hernandez, Mark
Hummel and more.
Here on this debut "solo" recording that was co-produced by
Mr James Harman, along with Jerry Hall. Nathan is set free and allowed
to do exactly that which he really does best. . . those lowdown, foot-tapping,
certified house rockin', fish fry BBQ Party sticky finger popping, butt
shakin', down home country style blues.
On this debut CD he teams up with James Harman who sings and plays some
classic harmonica on several rousing tunes, and is accompinied on a few
other songs by Ben Hernandez who plays a variety of instruments including
a Washtub Bass, Jug, harmonica and Kazoo or "Jazz Horn" as it
was once known, and sings.
Take it from me when I tell you that this CD is must add to any blues
collection.
Order online also see www.nathandjames.com
for a complete schedule!
Thanks for supporting live blues and roots music!
Chet Cannon is an avid blues fan, editor
of his very own Good Blues Update, freelance writer of sorts, and works
with his own band in and around San Diego called Chet and The Committee.
If you would like to know more about what is the San Diego blues scene
send your e-mail to BluShouter@aol.com
and read all about it in the Good Blues Update.
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