Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, The Beatles, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Michael Jackson, Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, Robert Cray, Albert King, ZZ Top, Wes Montgomery, James Brown, Prince and Many Others...
Sounds Like
Albert King cookin' soul food for Prince in Chicago!
The Making Of Bad James: TJ Brown (Drummer) and Jacob Vance (Lead Guitarist) have been playing in bands together since entering high school. In their junior year, they met up with Dan Putnam (Rhythm Guitar/Singer) and after five months of weekly jam sessions with him, Jacob and TJ agreed that he was the right fit for the band. You might not know it by looking at him, but the blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy has soul and the ability to play solid rhythm guitar. After acquiring Putnam, the band was in search of a bassist, and when the name Jake Ripp-Dieter came to mind, they knew that they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. And in September of 2006, Bad James added Jake and his funky bass styling to the band. Jake Ripp-Dieter and his broad musical background seemed to have sealed the deal for the band that would later be known as Bad James.
The Name: There is nobody in the band named James. Its only significance is that it sounded cool at 1:00am after a Robert Cray show.
Where are they now?: Bad James had their first recording session in November of 2006 and since have been playing shows in Deerfield and Madison, playing at weekly jam sessions in the area, hosting a weekly jam at the Cuda Café, and working with professionals to improve their already amazing sound. From here, the band just hopes that they will get more chances to play at more venues, trying to get their name out there.
Meet Bad James: Jacob Vance started playing guitar at age 13, being heavily influenced by a close friend and hard core music. Having no musical background himself or in his family, Jacob was left to discover music on his own. Jimi Hendrix became Jacob’s role model and inspiration for his musical motivations. From there, he studied who Hendrix influenced, and then the legends that influenced Jimi. It was at that moment where Jacob found himself – the guitar player he wanted to be, and the kind of music he wanted to play. Adding the likes of Albert King, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Wes Montgomery, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, and Albert Collins to his musical chronicles, Jacob was able to kick start his journey in becoming a great guitar player. Helping him get this far is local guitar phenom, Louka Patenaude (Ben Sidran / Natty Nation), who has taught music and theory to Jacob for the last four years. Louka’s careful guidance and instruction has helped Jacob tremendously in improving his guitar skill and knowledge. No doubt, you will be hearing more about Jacob Vance down the road.
Dan Putnam has been around music forever. He started out playing the piano and viola at a young age, which got him going in the right direction musically. He grew up being primarily influenced by The Beatles, Tom Petty, Bob Marley, AC/DC, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix. His interest in classic rock and The Beatles got him wanting to play guitar, which he began playing as he entered high school. Throughout high school and into college, he has improved his talent singing and playing guitar. After meeting up with TJ Brown and Jacob Vance a few times, Dan Putnam decided to join the duo in creating music. There’s no doubt that Putnam can play remarkable rhythm and slide guitar, but it’s also no secret that he has a powerful voice. His guitar teacher, Nate Rentmeester (King Cruiser), has been guiding Dan over the years, and now, thanks to him and Dan’s determination, it’s safe to say that Dan knows what he’s doing.
Jake Ripp-Dieter was born into a musical family. He not only learned how to play the electric bass, but has been playing stand-up bass and guitar for years also. His father, Joe Dieter (Queenie and the Blue Cats) has been the most influential on Jake, especially musically. Jake was a member of WYSO throughout high school, and will play in the UW-Madison symphony orchestra in the fall. There’s no doubt that Jake is an exceptional bassist.
TJ Brown didn’t incorporate music into his life until late in elementary school. He started out by playing the violin in the orchestra and playing the drums in his elementary school’s jazz band. He continued playing in the orchestra throughout middle and high school, but his drum playing, which happened only outside of school, has now become a more important component of his life. Focusing on playing the drums will not only better TJ, but will enhance the potential of the band in the process.
Drop by my page my friend. I posted a video and MP3 of me doing one of the hottest versions of “Voodoo Child” that you’ll ever hear.....guaranteed to make you smile! …..and you can download the MP3 for free!
SUPER JOB last night gents! You guy's took a huge step on stage. Just killed em' all. It was a pleasure to share the stage with you, we'll have to do it again...
