Limousine Blues

Chicago blues artist Jan James releases her fifth album! Limousine Blues (Blue Palace Records) is James's most traditional blues album offering 10 original songs in the roots genre. James returns to what she calls the 'front porch' of blues, referring to the Delta style popularized by artist like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Recorded in Chicago at Bombay Studios. James and her songwriting/guitarist partner, Craig Calvert have teamed up with songwriter Terry Abrahamson, known for his work on Muddy Waters' 'Hard Again' release on Epic. 'Build Me A Man' opens the CD, this swampy blues stomp demands a 'better man' with the intention for Jan to build her own if need be. Montgomery' is an acoustic tribute to Robert Johnson, while the title track, 'Limousine Blues' simmers in a much darker vein ala SRV. 'I Got A Feelin'' shows the lighter side, while 'Rise Above' brings blues blues blues in a classic slow thriller. Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones'-Jan James' performances have always provoked these comparisons. With her sandpapered voice and tough-blossom ethos, Jan has clasped the enthusiasm and acclaim of US and European audiences to her blues-rocking heart. The Detroit Metro Times voted her 'Best Female Vocalist' just in time to send her off to her new hometown, Chicago, where she soon became a favorite in venues such as Buddy Guy's Blues Legends, Taste of Chicago, and The House of Blues. Along the way Jan has shared the stage with greats such as Koko Taylor, BB King, The Divinyls, John Mayall, Little Feat, and James Brown. In time the buzz spread to Europe and Jan went on to release her European debut album Last Train on the Netherlands' Provogue label. This collection was co-produced by Jan, Craig Calvert, and well-known Chicago producer Steve Shafer. Mastered by Greg Calbi (famous for his work on classic albums by The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, Cheap Trick, and many others), Last Train's infectious mix of flat-out rock-and-roll, blues, and heady gospel music received spirited praise from the European press. In response, Jan embarked on a promotional tour of acoustic and electric performances aired on radio and television throughout The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and Scandanavia with a feature on NBC's television program Talking Blues. Again the press raved, 'Voices of the caliber of Jan James' are rare in today's pop music...' and 'Her upbeat rock/blues is exceptionally radio-friendly and very stylishly executed.' Meanwhile, in Chicago, Jan was lured to the stage in the starring role of Janis Joplin, performing 20 of the late great's classics. She easily adopted the stage persona of the woman to whom she is most often compared. Audiences loved the results and responded with standing ovations. Comparisons, however, are meant to be outgrown. Two more CD's, Soul Desire and The Color of Rose have since been released on the Dutch label, the latter as a passionate sequel to Last Train. Now, Limousine Blues, James' most traditional blues album, awaits it's 2003 release. With it's ten original songs in the roots genre James returns to what she calls the 'front porch' of the blues, referring to the Delta style popularized by artists like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. This recording was done at Bombay Studios in Chicago. James' partner, the songwriter and guitarist Craig Calvert, teamed up with Terry Abrahamson (Bus Driver, Muddy Waters) to pen the first track called Gonna Build Me a Man. Destined for radio stations everywhere, Jan is on a stellar trajectory for 2003. Tune in, listen, she'll take you along.