Veteran Guitarist Jamie James (The Kingbees, Harry Dean Stanton, Dennis Quaid & The Sharks) Returns with New LP, Straight Up
“In 1978, I founded The Kingbees with Michael Rummans on bass and Rex Roberts on drums. Before that, I had toured internationally with a new version of Steppenwolf, but, by 1979, I wanted to focus on a more stripped-down sound. Inspired by Buddy Holly, I sold my 1960 Les Paul to fund the band and kept my ’57 Strat to chase that twangy tone I loved. Our debut album dropped in 1980 on RSO Records, earning us regional success with “My Mistake.” What inspired your hit, “My Mistake?”
A couple of things; The Kingbees had just finished a show back in 1979 at The Starwood in West Hollywood, CA. I was hoping to go home with this certain girl but, alas, she went home with someone else. When I got home (alone) there was a paper pie plate crammed in my screen door handle from that same girl saying, “I should have left with you, My Mistake!” So that was my song title, and the rest was really about my first girlfriend in High School.
After The Kingbees, you worked with Harry Dean Stanton. Which new musical influences did he introduce you to?
Oh, Harry brought so many musical influences into my life. Mexicak music (Vincente Fernandez), Folk Pop (Kris Kristofferson), old 1920’s Hillbilly music (Jimmie Rogers, The Singing Brakeman), 1920 and 30s songs by Cole Porter and the Gershwins, etc. Just a ton of cool stuff!
Co-founded Dennis Quaid & The Sharks and have been touring and recording together since 2000. What is a cherished memory from time on the road with Quaid?
We performed “Hotel California” on stage one night with Don Felder!
Your latest, the solo LP, Straight Up, reunited you with long-time bandmates to deliver a compelling new collection of songs. “The pandemic gave me time to refocus. I started writing again, picked up the harmonica, and out of about 30 songs, I narrowed it down to 10 for Straight Up. It features my old bandmates from Dennis Quaid & The Sharks … who helped bring these songs to life. I couldn’t be more excited to share this record with the world.” Can you share what it was like to create music once again with your old bandmates?
For sure, it was like putting on your favorite shirt, or jeans or something. Super comfortable! Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (keyboards), Tom Mancillas and I had been playing with Dennis Quaid for a little over eighteen years so we know and trust each musically very well. They are a perfect fit for my new songs. Like a dream come true band!
Straight Up is a return to your roots while showcasing your evolution as an artist. “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 truly 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.” As you reflect on your growth over the years, how have you embraced challenges and new perspectives into your artistry?
With one consistent thing, Love! A love for music, all kinds of music, anything musical (the birds in the trees). Music speaks to my soul and has never let me down.