The Blue James Band is an American rock band founded and fronted by vocalist and guitar player Clifton Williams. The Blue James Band was formed in Los Angeles, California, but are now based in Boston, MA.
The band began in 2004 as a vehicle for Clifton Williams’ songs while he was scoring projects for film and television while in Los Angeles. The band released their debut record, that’s that, in 2005 and their sophomore effort, WILL, in 2008.
After touring the Western US from 2005-2008, Clifton decided to move the project to the East Coast to “see how the other half lives” as he puts it. “I’ve lived in California my whole life and though I love it and consider myself a true Californian, I wanted to get out for awhile to experience the other coast.”
He stopped in Virginia for a few years, released the 2nd Blue James Band album and finally settled into the Boston area. It was in Virginia where he met current bass player Bryan Worley and multi-instrumentalist Liz Lawrence. They moved to Boston with Clifton and along with Cornelius Foley on drums, the East coast Blue James Band was completed. Keyboardist Valerie Taylor also tours with the band on occasion.
The band recorded their 3rd album, Give Me the Love or Give Me the Fight, while on tour in Virginia. Clifton produced the record and finished the process at his studio in Boston, MA. Scott Reibling (Weezer, Letters to Cleo) mixed the record which will be released on Chappy Payne Records in September of 2012.
Give Me the love or Give Me the Fight is a testament to the band's passion for imaginative, fun-filled, soul-soothing songs. Give Me the Love or Give Me the Fight sees Blue James Band as vibrant as ever. with their sunny roots/rock n' roll/reggae style fused throughout the album's ten tracks. Inventive musicality and lyrical style underlie the album, allowing each track to take listeners on their own journey, while providing singularity that impresses like a fingerprint.
Blue James Band let their souls run free to simmer in creativity, both musically and lyrically, resulting in an album that is transcendent, yet accessible. Highlights include the reggae-infused "Not Ready For You" and the worldly "T Come and They Go."
At the heart of the album is the title track, the lyrics of which embody the often-ineffable complexities of love. Says singer/songwriter Clifton Williams..."I want passion in my relationships and with that comes the highs of love and the lows of fights. Without both, the passion is somehow muted." This type of sensitivity and depth, encapsulated in simple form, is thematic of the band's lyrical signature. Coupled with a rhythmic melody that pulses throughout the track.the song demands that you move your feet and sing along.
Give Me the love or Give Me the Fight uniquely captures Blue James Band's infectious energy, which fans around the world already enjoy in the band's spirited live shows. With Williams sitting as producer and Scott Riebling (Weezer.We The Kings) mixing, the Blue James Band is set to release their most dynamic and inventive album to date.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Sat. Nov 17thThe Asgard
300 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Show time: 10pm
21+
Free!
Sat. Dec. 8thSalt Hill Pub
2 West Park Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
Show time: 9pm
21+
Free!
Fri. Dec. 14thRed Parka Pub
3 Station Street
Glen, NH 03838
Show time: 9pm
21+
Free!
Sat. Dec. 15thThe Asgard
300 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Show time: 10pm
21+
Free!
Sat. Jan. 26thThe Asgard
300 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Show time: 10pm
21+
Free!
Fri. Feb. 1stSugarloaf Ski Resort
5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Show time: 9:30pm
21+
Free!
Sat. Feb. 2ndSugarloaf Ski Resort
5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Show time: 3-5pm and 9:30pm!
21+
Free!
Sat. Feb. 9thPiecasso PIzzeria & Lounge
1899 Mountain Rd.
Stowe, VT
Show time: 10pm
21+
Free!
BJB in Stowe, VT!
Sat. Feb. 16thRed Parka Pub
3 Station Street
Glen, NH
Show time: 9pm
21+
Free!
Wed. Feb. 20thHalf Door
270 Sisson Ave.
Hartford, CT
Show time: 10pm
21+
$5
Fri. March 29thRed Parka Pub
3 Station Street
Glen, NH
Show time: 9pm
21+
Free!
Sat. March. 30th The Asgard
300 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA
Show time: 10pm
21+
Free!
Wed. May. 1stHalf Door
270 Sisson Ave.
Hartford, CT
Show time: 10pm
21+
$5
Booking inquiries:
Phil Payne - 213-948-8007
All other information:
