James Montgomery
James Montgomery singing at The Reel Blues Fest on May 12, 2012
James Montgomery singing at The Reel Blues Fest on May 12, 2012
Background information
Born (1949-05-12) May 12, 1949
OriginDetroit, Michigan, United States
GenresBlues
Occupation(s)musician, bandleader, composer, arranger
Instrument(s)Vocalist, blues harp
Years active1970–present
Websitewww.reverbnation.com/jamesmontgomeryblues
www.myspace.com/jamesmontgomeryblues
www.jamesmontgomery.com
www.twitter.com/jm_blues

James Montgomery (born May 12, 1949) is an American blues musician, best known as the lead singer, blues harp player, frontman, and bandleader of The James Montgomery Blues Band (a.k.a. The James Montgomery Band). Montgomery collaborates with many star performers and recording artists.[1] He is also the past President of The New England Blues Society.[2]

Personal life

James Montgomery was born on May 12, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Detroit where his father, John Montgomery, worked for Chrysler as a public relations executive. One of his brothers, John Montgomery, also worked in the music industry before becoming an entrepreneur in the Metro Detroit area. His younger brother, Jeffrey Montgomery, was an LGBT activist primarily known for being the founding executive director of Triangle Foundation (today Equality Michigan).

Music career

"While attending Boston University, where he earned a degree in English literature, Mr. Montgomery started the James Montgomery Band. His freshman roommate was Jeff Baxter.[3] During his junior year, he was hired by the Colwell-Winfield Blues Band to play harmonica and tour with Janis Joplin. By the time he graduated from college his band was on the cover of the Boston Phoenix, heralded along with J. Geils and Aerosmith as the city's great contributions to the music world. Though he said he loved the academic life when offered a $15,000 job at BU, Mr. Montgomery took a $250,000 offer to record records and tour with the Allman Brothers instead, and never looked back." by Pamela Marean, Standard-Times correspondent, September 6, 2007[4]

In 1970 Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His harmonica playing, singing and energetic stage show led to his band gaining a reputation as one of the hottest bands on the New England music scene. James Montgomery was signed by Capricorn Records to a multi-album deal and released his first vinyl LP album titled The James Montgomery Band – First Time Out in 1973. The original LP recordings were remastered and released as a CD in October 20, 1998 by Capricorn / Umgd. Track 9 off his first album titled "Train" was a fan favorite and became the Number 1 song on WBCN, The Rock of Boston. They played it every day at noon-time for over a year. In 2011, Montgomery brought "Train" back as a surprise encore at shows.

Montgomery has toured with many artists, including Aerosmith, The J. Geils Band, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, The Allman Brothers, The Steve Miller Band, The Johnny Winter Band, The Blues Brothers with (Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) and others.

James Montgomery has performed on stage with a long list of musicians including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Bonnie Raitt, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith Frontman and American Idol TV Show Judge), Brad Whitford (Aerosmith guitarist), Charlie Daniels, Gregg Allman, LaVern Baker, Patti LaBelle, Jonathan Edwards, Jerome Geils (The J. Geils Band), Peter Wolf (The J. Geils Band), Magic Dick (The J. Geils Band), Danny Klein (The J. Geils Band), Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis and the News), Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Rick Derringer, Ricky Byrd (formerly with Joan Jett and the Black Hearts), Barry Goudreau (former guitarist for Boston), Fran Sheehan (former bassist for Boston), Sib Hashian (former drummer for Boston), Chad Smith (The Red Hot Chili Peppers), Billy Squier, Michael Carabello (percussionist in Santana), Jon Butcher (Johanna Wild, The Jon Butcher Axis and today Farren Butcher Inc), Bruce Marshall (lead singer/guitarist for The Toy Caldwell Band and The Bruce Marshall Group), Dennis "Fly" Amero (Orleans), Duke Robillard, Jon Pousette-Dart (The Pousette-Dart Band), Jonathan Edwards, Kate Taylor, Christine Ohlman "The Beehive Queen", Mike Finnigan, Grace Kelly, The Uptown Horns, the famous Manhattan, New York-based horn section for B.B. King, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, The J. Geils Band and more). The Uptown Horns is composed of Larry Etkin (trumpet), Crispin Cioe(sax), Arno Hecht (sax), and Bob Funk (trombone). Their signature horn riffs can be heard on American chart busting songs including Grammy-award winning James Brown, the Godfather of Soul's "Living in America", The B-52's Love Shack LP, Buster Poindexter's (a.k.a. David Johansen) "Hot Hot Hot", Joe Cocker's Unchain My Heart LP, Tom Waits' Rain Dogs LP, and Billy Joel's River of Dreams LP, and the upcoming LP by James Montgomery titled From Detroit to the Delta.

Montgomery recalls the night he played with Muddy Waters at Paul's Mall in Boston, Massachusetts. "I couldn't believe it. Here I was on stage with Muddy Waters," Montgomery recalls with a smile. "It was such a great feeling.".[5]

James had his own syndicated radio show for five years called "Backstage With the Blues" on these stations:

  • WJZS Swing 99.3 FM Block Island, Rhode Island
  • WADK 1540 AM Newport, Rhode Island and Fall River, Massachusetts
  • WFNX 92.1 FM Portland, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire
  • KUSH 1600, Cushing, Oklahoma

The show combined great Blues songs along with the stories behind the music, told by the musicians themselves, it provided a bridge between the listeners and the artists as they reminisced about the history of their music. Some of his special guests were John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown, Otis Clay, Son Seals, Duke Robillard, Rod Piazza, and many more.

James Montgomery Blues Band (a.k.a. James Montgomery Band)

During the past 45 years Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians careers. His band members have included Billy Squier, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Steve Strout Nashville sideman Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Billy Squier and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Tom Gambel (Aerosmith), David Hull (substitute bassist for Aerosmith on their 2006, 2008 and 2014 tours, David Hull was the bassist for The Joe Perry Project, the band Farrenheit (with Charlie Farren and John "Muzz" Muzzy) and The Buddy Miles Band. In 2010 while still a member of Montgomery's band, David Hull released his first CD called Soul in Motion (David was the singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist and producer of his own album). Plus many, many, more exceptional musicians have been members of Montgomery's band.

Discography

List of albums, with tracks, and select notes
Title Group / Performer Release Record label Tracks with Montgomery Notes
From Detroit to the Delta James Montgomery Band 2013 February 19 Audio CD Vizztone / Universal Records
  1. Intoxicated
  2. Same Thing
  3. Little Johnny (featuring Johnny Winter)
  4. Motor City Is Burning
  5. I Don't Want To Have A Heart
  6. Delta Storm
  7. Who Do You Love? (featuring DMC)
  8. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
  9. Hit The Road Jack
  10. River's Edge
  11. Changing of the Guard
  12. Black Cadillac (featuring James Cotton)
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
  • Brad Whitford ~ Guitarist for Aerosmith
  • Joey Kramer ~ Drummer for Aerosmith
  • Johnny Winter ~ Slide Guitar
  • James Cotton ~ Harmonica
  • David Hull ~ Bass, Backup Vocals, producer
  • George McCann ~ Guitar, Backup Vocals
  • Seth Pappas ~ Drums, Percussion, Backup Vocals
  • Darryl "DMC" McDaniels ~ Rapper for the band "Run DMC"
  • The Uptown Horns ~ famous 4-man horn section from Manhattan, New York
In Style James Montgomery Band 2010 April 1 Album On the K-Tel Record Label
  1. Hang On To Love
  2. Teasin' You
  3. Steppin' (Out In Style)
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
Misspent Youth Bruce Marshall Group 2010 Audio CD ATM Records
3. 3 Chords and the Truth
  • Bruce Marshall ~ Lead Vocals, Electric, Acoustic and Dobro Guitars
  • James Montgomery ~ Harmonica
  • Ed Grenga ~ Hammond Organ, Piano
  • Dave Cournoyer ~ Guitars, Bass, Production
  • John Donahoe ~ Fiddle, Saxophone
  • Jeff Majeau ~ Bass
  • Neil Taylor ~ Bass
  • Steve Wolpe ~ Drums
  • Pete Premo ~ Drums
  • Sally Marshall ~ Backup Vocals
  • Britt Sawdon ~ Vocals
Bring It On Home James Montgomery Blues Band 2001 July 31 Audio CD Conqueroot Records
  1. Sweet Sixteen
  2. The Sleeper
  3. Dimples
  4. Back on My Knees Again
  5. Lovin' Cup
  6. Bring It On Home
  7. Mona
  8. Ramblin' Man
  9. Junior's Jump
  10. Wedding Ring
  11. Sinkin' Blues
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
  • James Cotton ~ Harmonica
  • Marc Copely ~ Guitar
  • Tom West ~ Keyboards
  • Marty Richards ~ Drums, Percussion
Live at the Capitol Theater James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall Duo 2000 Audio CD ~ Opening for BB King ATM Records
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
  • Bruce Marshall ~ Lead Vocals, Electric, Acoustic and Dubro Guitars
Double Wide Uncle Kracker 2000 June 13 Audio CD Lava Records
2. Better Days

Uncle Kracker's 1st CD, earned a Gold Record, went Platinum (August 2001) and later Double-Platinum.

  • Uncle Kracker ~ Rap Vocals
  • Kid Rock ~ Guitar, Programming, Turntables, Background Vocals
  • James Montgomery ~ Harmonica
  • Kenny Olson ~ Guitar
  • Jason Krause ~ Guitar
  • Lynn Owsely ~ Pedal Steel Guitar
  • Jimmie Bones ~ Keyboards, Background Vocals
  • Michael Bradford ~ Bass, Programming, Background Vocals
  • Stefanie Eulinberg ~ Drums
The Oven Is On James Montgomery Band 1991 Audio CD Tone-Cool Records, Newton, MA – CD 1145
  1. Back From The Dead
  2. The Oven Is On
  3. Mystery
  4. Little Black Dress
  5. Danger Zone
  6. Nobody Could Love You
  7. Down in Florida
  8. Rock & Roll VJ
  9. Miss You
  10. Yonders Wall
  11. Dance
  12. Smokey's Barbecue
  • James Montgomery ~ Vocals, Harmonica
  • Steve Barbuto ~ Drums, Background Vocals
  • Lenny Bradford ~ Bass, Background Vocals
  • Paul Murphy ~ Guitars

Special guests:

  • Crispin Cloe ~ Sax (7,8)
  • Ron Levy ~ Pinao, organ (1,3,4,5,6,7,11)
  • Sherryl Marshall ~ Background Vocals (3,6,7,12)
  • Buck Taylor ~ Background Vocals (3,6,7,12)
  • Bird Taylor ~ Background Vocals (3,6,7,12)

Heavy metal horns:

  • Garret Savluk ~ Trumpet (1,4,7,9,11)
  • John Ferry ~ Trombone (1,4,7,9,11)
  • John Vanderpool ~ Tenor Sax (1,4,7,9,11)
  • Henley Douglas, JR. ~ Baritone Sax (1,4,7,9,11)

Credits:

  • Produced by Ron Levy for Levtron Productions
  • Executive Producer / Engineer Richard Rosenblatt
  • Art Direction: Boo Topeka
  • Digitally Mastered by Dr. Toby Mountain
  • Northeastern Digital Recording, Southborough, MA
Live Trax James Montgomery 1983 Vinyl LP MSI Records (Canadian)

Side 1

  • Schoolin' The Dice
  • Tuff
  • Urban Cats
  • Pain
  • New England Sunshine

Side 2

  • (I'M Counting on The) Rock & Roll
  • Marlelous Marvin
  • You Got to Love Me
  • Train
Duck Fever James Montgomery 1978 Vinyl LP (US Release) Waterhouse Records

Side 1

  1. Working on a Love Affair
  2. Who'll Be The Next in Line?
  3. For Your Love
  4. Crazy About My Baby

Side 2

  1. Heaven Help Me
  2. New England Sunshine
  3. Not Your Clown
  4. Fire on the Bayou
  5. Living for the Weekend

James Montgomery with members of the David Letterman Band:

  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Backing Vocals
  • Hugh McCracken – Jeff Mironou – John Cavari – Richie Zito – Steve Satter ~ Guitar
  • Jeff Levine – Paul Griffen ~ Keyboards
  • Bill Lee ~ Bob Babbit – Francisco Centino ~ Bass
  • Chris Parker – Luther Rix – Rich Dishman – Richard Crooks ~ Drums
  • Rubens Bassini ~ Percussion
  • Barbara Holliday – Diva Gray – Gordon Grody – Josh Shaw – Rudy Gray – Tony Rodriguez ~ Backing Vocals
  • Don Oriolo ~ Producer, Guitar, Backing Vocals
  • Ed Stasium ~ Engineer, Backing Vocals
  • Milt Levy ~ Executive Producer
  • Jeff Levine (Track A4), Paul Griffin (A1, A2, A3, B1 to B5) ~ Arrangements
  • John McIntosh ~ Artwork Cover Illustrations
  • Becca Martinson ~ Cover Layout Design
  • Jeff Albertson ~ Photography
Fire on the Bayou James Montgomery 1978 Vinyl 45 rpm Record Waterhouse Records (15001)
  • Side A ~ Fire on the Bayou
  • Side B ~ New England Sunshine
James Montgomery Band James Montgomery Band 1976 Vinyl LP Island Records

Side A

  1. City Music
  2. Foot Floppin'
  3. Don't You Just Know It
  4. Hotcha Mama

Side B

  1. Stoop Down
  2. Steppin' (Out in Style)
  3. Hang on To Love
  4. Teasin' You
  • James Montgomery ~ Harmonica, Vocals
  • Billy Mather ~ Bass
  • Chuck Purro ~ Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Peter Bell ~ Guitar
  • David Woodford ~ Saxophone
  • David Case ~ Keyboards
  • Paul Lenart ~ Lead Guitar
  • Allen Toussaint, Marshall Sehorn ~ Producer
The Gooba Gooba Song James Montgomery Band 1976 Original 12" Mix Island Records (IS1003)
  • Side A ~ The Gooba Gooba Song
  • Side B ~ Foot Floppin
 Producer: Allen Toussaint
I Can't Stop (No, No, No) James Montgomery Band 1976 Vinyl 45 rpm Record Capricorn Records (CPS 0217)
  • I Can't Stop (No, No, No)
  • Schoolin' Them Dice
Baby I Love You Barbara Holliday with James Montgomery & Radio King and His Court of Rhythm 1975 Vinyl 45 rpm Record Jelly Records (JR 002)
  • Side A ~ Baby I Love You
  • Side B ~ Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do (with James Montgomery)
Brickyard Blues & As love Is The Thing James Montgomery Band 1974 Vinyl 45 RPM Record Capricorn Records (CPS 0204)
  • Side A ~ Brickyard Blues
  • Side B ~ As 'love Is The Thing'
Brickyard Blues The James Montgomery Band 1974 Vinyl 45 RPM Promo Record Capricorn Records, Inc. Manufactured by Warner Bros. Records, Inc. (MONO CPS 0204) (SNY0931)
  • Side A ~ Brickyard Blues (Mono)
  • Side B ~ Brickyard Blues (Stereo)
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
  • Allen Toussaint ~ Composer
  • Tom Dowd ~ Producer for Capricorn Records Inc. by special arrangement with Phil Walden & Assoc., Inc.
  • NOTE: There is a misspelling of artist's last name on both of the record's labels. ("Montomery" instead of the correct "Montgomery").
High Roller James Montgomery Band 1974 Vinyl LP Capricorn Records, Manufactured By Warner Bros. Records Inc.

Side 1

  1. Shot Down Love
  2. Hobo
  3. Love Is A Thing
  4. Schoolin' Them Dice
  5. I Can't Stop (No, No, No)

Side 2

  1. Any Number Can Play
  2. Try It
  3. Brickyard Blues
  4. Sing You A Love Song
  5. Ten Page Letter
  • James Montgomery ~ Harmonica, Vocals
  • Peter Bell ~ Guitar, Vocals
  • David Case ~ Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Vocals
  • Peter Malick ~ Lead Guitar, Steel Guitar, Vocals
  • Billy Mather ~ Bass, Vocals
  • Chuck Purro ~ Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Albhy Galuten, Tom Dowd ~ Producer
First Time Out James Montgomery Band 1973 Vinyl LP & 1998 October 20 Digitally Remastered Audio CD Capricorn Records

CD TRACKS

  1. Don't Do That
  2. I'm Funky But I'm Clean
  3. Ready Teddy
  4. If You Want Me
  5. Drive Myself Crazy
  6. Going Down
  7. Son of Jump
  8. Everybody Knows the Answer
  9. Train
  • James Montgomery ~ Lead Vocals, Harmonica
  • Peter Malick ~ Electric & Steel Guitars, Vocals
  • Peter Bell ~ Guitar, Vocals
  • David Case ~ Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Keyboards, Vocals
  • Billy Mather ~ Bass, Vocals
  • Chuck Purro ~ Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Larry Washington ~ Congas, Bongos
  • Carl Paruolo, Jay Mark, Dirk Devlin, Don Murray ~ Engineers
  • Bruce Steinberg ~ Photographer
  • Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios A & B, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July–August 1973.
  • Digitally Remastered by Suha Gur (PolyGram Studios).

References

  1. ↑ Dean Johnson. "James Montgomery". Music Museum of New England, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  2. ↑ STAFF, Chris Bergeron, DAILY NEWS. "James Montgomery to play show at Amazing Things". Wicked Local. Retrieved April 28, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "Jeff "Skunk" Baxter-This Week's Podcast". May 5, 2022.
  4. ↑ Pamela Marean. "Blues master: Montgomery anchors Middleboro festival Sunday". Standard-Times. Retrieved September 6, 2007.
  5. ↑ Jim, Taricani (November 2008). "James Montgomery Brings It on Home". Rhode Island Monthly. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
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