Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jamie James—known for his work with Dennis Quaid and The Sharks, collaborations with the late Harry Dean Stanton, Steppenwolf, and as the frontman of 80's Rockabilly Trio Kingbees—returns with new music, bringing his rich, rock-infused legacy to a new chapter.
"The music on this song unhurried, contemplative, but emotive track is not overly polished, providing an intentional vibe of directness, and while James is obviously a fan of Rock and Rockabilly, this track may even carry a hint of the Blues. There’s also a seriousness and drama to the instrumentation that makes “Let The Praying Begin” far more than a introspective love song, and taps into a tradition along the lines of Johnny Cash... Drama forms the core of the song, and that’s supported by all of its musical aspects as well as its lyrics."- Wildfire Music + News
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jamie James has had a rich and varied musical career, best known for his work with DQ and The Sharks (featuring actor Dennis Quaid), his long-time collaborations with the late Harry Dean Stanton, his role as a touring member of Steppenwolf in the late '70s, and as the lead singer and founding member of the LA-based rockabilly trio Kingbees—the band behind the hit “My Mistake.”
On his upcoming 10-track solo LP, Straight Up, James reunites with his DQ and The Sharks bandmates—Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancillas (bass)—with Jamie on guitar and harmonica.
The album’s first single, “Let The Praying Begin,” will be released on February 14 via Oglio Records.
Of the single, James says, "I grew up in rock 'n' roll in the '60s—let’s just say I didn’t always live the life of a choirboy. But after a while, you find someone you actually love, and that feels better than anything. The song is about saying, if this relationship is wrong or a sin, or if this woman is too good for me, I’m not stopping—so go ahead and pray for me. In the end, the power of love makes us better"
A true survivor of rock’s ever-changing landscape, Jamie James remains an influential figure whose contributions to rockabilly, rock, and Americana continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike. Straight Up, marks a return to his roots while showcasing his evolution as an artist, blending his signature style with fresh, contemporary sounds. With its raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, the album further cements Jamie’s place in the pantheon of rock’s most enduring voices.
As James, explains, "There isn’t a dishonest word on this record.”
"In the winter of 1978, I founded the Kingbees with Michael Rummans on bass and Rex Roberts on drums. The year before, in 1977, I had toured internationally with a new version of Steppenwolf—the first lineup without John Kay - called The New Steppenwolf. This group included original members Nick St. Nicholas and Goldy McJohn, along with guitarist Kent Henry, drummer Tony DeSantis, vocalist Tom Pagan, and myself. We played extensively across the United States and Europe. However, after about a year, I felt uncertain about the project’s future. I shifted my focus, started listening heavily to Buddy Holly, and embraced a simpler sound. I sold my 1960 Les Paul, which supported me financially while I launched the Kingbees, keeping the ‘57 Strat for that rich, twangy tone I wanted.
Our first performance was in early May 1979 at The Troubadour, and our debut album was released on RSO Records in March 1980. We found some success with a regional hit, “My Mistake.” Eventually, both the band and the record label dissolved, and I needed a break.
After a couple of years on pause, I began collaborating with a dear friend, Harry Dean Stanton. We made music together for about nine years, and he introduced me to genres I hadn’t explored before, which was both refreshing and inspiring. By the end of the 1990s, that phase was winding down.
In 2000, I started a new project with Dennis Quaid. We formed Dennis Quaid and the Sharks, with Tom Walsh on drums, Tom Mancillas on bass, and Ken Stange on keyboards. This band lasted nearly two decades, up until 2018 or 2019, just before the pandemic hit.
The slowdown brought by the pandemic gave me time to refocus. I started writing songs again and picked up the harmonica with newfound dedication. Over the next couple of years, I wrote consistently, and the songs kept coming. From about 30 songs I’ve written, I’m excited to share these 10 with you through Oglio Entertainment.
The musicians on this project are the same talented team I worked with in Dennis Quaid and the Sharks: Tom Walsh on drums, Ken Stange on organ, and Tom Mancillas on bass, with me on guitar and harmonica. I couldn’t be more thrilled to present these songs to you."- Jamie James
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