PLEASE DONATE NOW TO HELP WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPENSES TO MEMPHIS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES COMPETITION!!! SEE MY MYSPACE BLOG FOR ALL THE SCOOP!!! SECURE PAYPAL TRANSACTION. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
An EXTREMELY BIG THANKS to Ron Beatteay at Pixations.com for filming our shows!
Visit his site: SweetBluesNW.com!
And MORE BIG THANK YOU'S to ROB 'SLIDEBOY' ANDREWS (Rhythm/Slide Guitar), DAN MOHLER (Bass), DAVID MALONY (Drums), RICK JONES (Bass), TERRY NELSON (Hammond), JEFFREY LYLE (Lead/Rhythm Guitar), JAMES HOWARD (Lead Guitar), LARRY NEUBAUER (Piano/Keys), MICHAEL WILDE (Harmonica), and last but not least, BONGOMAN BENNETT (Percussion), whose STELLAR talents appear on the new CD.
Lazy Lester ~ ROBERT NIGHTHAWK ~ Johnny Guitar Watson ~ EARL HOOKER ~ Robin Trower ~ LUTHER ALLISON ~ Staple Singers ~ MAVIS STAPLES ~ Otis Clay ~ STEVIE RAY ~ Howlin Wolf ~ BILL WITHERS ~ Prince ~ IKE AND TINA TURNER ~ Allman Brothers ~ TERRY EVANS ~ Otis Span ~ CHAMBERS BROTHERS ~ Chaka Khan and Rufus ~ JOE COCKER ~ Clifton Cheener ~ COCO TAYLOR ~ Big Mamma Thorton
Basically anything RAW, SWEATY and REAL that moves you to your bones baby!
Sounds Like
KLAMATH BLUES FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW - Rita Ashley - Seattle Executive Careers Examiner - http://www.examiner.com
The real treat of the afternoon was Cee Cee James, a Seattle area blues performer. Her band is ideal for her voice and style and her performance, electrifying. She is one of the few women blues performers who appears to be genuine; the real deal. On some tunes she channeled Janis Joplin; a fact not missed by the DJ who asked her to treat us with the first stanza of Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz...perfectly. If you have any blues in you at all, seek out Cee Cee James. I have been listening to her CD, Low Down Where the Snakes Crawl and love every cut. The fidelity is super. Her band is balanced and sharp. Buy the CD and thrill your neighbors when you play it way too loud, as I am right now.
~ ~ ~
PETER "BLEZZMAN" LAURO - Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
Some of you may know of her as Cee Cee James, some of you may know of her as Christina James - her real name, and some of you may know of her as "The Funky White Girl" - the nickname associated with her as a result of an earlier R&B release. On the other hand, some of you may not know of her at all, and if that's the case, you need to change that because this gal can sing the blues. Here we are with pretty much half the year still ahead of us, and I'm thinking I may have just listened to the 2009 Blewzzy Award winning disc. That translates to this - you've got to go to www.ceeceejames.com and pick up a copy. Trust me when I say it - once you listen, you'll have discovered the woman that the blues world will soon be marveling over - Cee Cee James. For full review visit: http://www.mary4music.com/CD48.htmlCDCeeCeeJames1
~ ~ ~
BLUES LOVERS UNITED OF SAN DIEGO - Michael Kinsman, President
Ok, stop me if you've heard the one about the female blues singer who sings just like Janis Joplin. We've heard them, women who think they can growl and shout just like Joplin. Unfortunately, they almost always are inferior to the real thing. But here comes Cee Cee James getting constant comparisons with Janis and looking good. Her new CD sounds like something Joplin should have recorded, but it's not about shouting and growling. Cee Cee chooses to take on the subtler side of Joplin's vocal style. She purrs and sings with a soft, controlled approach. Cee Cee wins credit for producing a CD that even Joplin would have applauded.
~ ~ ~
KENTUCKIANA BLUES SOCIETY BLUES NEWS - Les Reynolds
Cee Cee's latest CD is a testament to her past, her link with the blues and her rock-solid spirituality. The 11 tunes mix roots, blues, rock, funk and even something that could be called "spiritual folk." Husband Rob Andrews lends his warm, fat electric slide guitar to the mix on several occasions; however, it is Cee Cee's emotion-drenched, soulful, sometimes gritty voice that accentuates every ache, every cry, laugh and growl in every tune. Comparisons to Janis aside, her voice is what anchors this CD. For someone hidden away, a 'best-kept secret of the NW' you might say, this artist has all the earmarks of a talent just waiting to burst onto the national scene. This girl's really "got it." And you should get it... the CD that is.
~ ~ ~
PHOENIX BLUES SOCIETY - Kyle Deibler, President
LOW DOWN WHERE THE SNAKES CRAWL has been one of the more interesting records I’ve had a chance to listen to so far this year. Cee Cee James writes songs from a place of emotional honesty that few artists care to reveal. The result is an intimate, sometimes guttural view of a woman who isn’t afraid to face her demons and work out her life’s lessons. From that perspective, “I’ll Ask the Questions" and Watermelon Lucy” seem oddly out of place to me. Perhaps one of these days I’ll cross paths with Cee Cee and she can explain those tunes to me. But this is definitely an excellent record from a female artist who isn’t afraid to bear her soul. I applaud her for that. And I encourage you to look her up, you can find out more about Cee Cee on her website at www.ceeceejames.com.
~ ~ ~
WA BLUES SOCIETY BLUESLETTER - Roy Brown
There is only one CD produced this year that made my 'CREAM OF THE CROP' list so far. Now there are two. If you want to find a CD that you will listen to for a long, long time, pick up 'LOW DOWN WHERE THE SNAKES CRAWL.'
~ ~ ~
NOW HEAR THIS! - Reviewer - Randy Sanders
"But by far the most recognizable characteristic to her sound is her voice. That soulful growl can be mistaken for that of the late, great, Janis Joplin."
~ ~ ~
UK FAN - BILL CHISHOLM
"HI CEE CEE, GOT THE CD, IT'S GREAT. YOU ARE THE BEST FEMALE BLUES SINGER SINCE JANIS JOPLIN, CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE, ALL THE BEST, BILL"
~ ~ ~
TAXI REVIEWS...
Low Down Where The Snakes Crawl, Love Makes Change, Done Love Wrong
The vocals on these tracks are outstanding, Christina. The voice wraps around the rhythms with precision and force. The grooves are determined and move through the tracks with a solid form that still allows some flexibility to come in for contrast. The riffs are tasty and work with the vocals well, coming in as a playful as a kitten, adding tons of flourish.
~ ~ ~
CASCADE BLUES ASSOCIATION - Blues Notes - Greg Johnson
"Listening to "Low Down Where The Snakes Crawl" will certainly keep you riveted to the soaring intense vocals of Cee Cee James. Obvious comparisons with Janis Joplin or maybe former Stone The Crows' Blues-Rock vocalist Maggie Bell will pop right to mind. But leave the comparisons behind . Cee Cee delivers her own unique grit and sass with her bold, impassionate voice that she needs to be reminded of nobody but herself."
~ ~ ~
ILONA J. PASSINO, SCULPTOR - San Diego, CA
You are fabulous and we loved every minute of your concert. I sincerely wished you
lived in San Diego because I think we would be at all your performances. You are that good! You should be at the top of the charts! I hope and pray that you will be soon. Your songs are so good. It is a rare person who can perform beautifully and write their own songs too. Elizabeth was not kidding when she told me how good you were.
~ ~ ~
PORTLAND OREGON FAN - Caroline
Miss James-
I saw you at the Trails End Saloon on your birthday and you rocked the
shit out of that bar. Come back to Portland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~ ~ ~
STU WINKLEMAN - LA STUDIO GUITARIST
"Cee Cee James delivers the punch of a two-ton truck dropped from the balcony...right onto your head. Her vocals are without a doubt some of the most gut-wrenching, hard-driving sounds to ever grace the blues. If she doesn't raise the hair on your arms, you ain't listening!"
~ ~ ~
CENTRAL OREGON BLUES SOCIETY (COBS) - Barb Storrier
I've been Listening to Low Down Where The Snakes Crawl, while creating art lately ... it is so inspiring for me. You've really put your heart and soul into this music, and it comes through brilliantly, touching those deep places in the heart. Thank you so much for all you do, you are truly an angel in more ways than you will ever know. I know this most recent creative effort of yours will touch many people in many ways, and I am so pleased to be able to share the experience with friends.
~ ~ ~
CEE CEE JAMES GRITTY NEW RELEASE PROVES EASY TO ENJOY - KT - Positively Entertainment, Portland, OR
Low Down Where the Snakes Crawl opens up a new window on the blues/R&B scene. If you're not gonna dance, lay back and disappear."
~ ~ ~
BILL NOLAN - ANTIQUE BLUES RADIO
WPKN-FM WPKM-FM - Voice of "Antique Blues" 89.5 & 88.7
Bridgeport, CT / Montauk, NY
I'm in command of your two track teaser from your upcoming CD, and both songs are mighty fine tunes with track one coming out on top, as far as listener response goes. I have to admit, track one , "I Done Love Wrong," is an excellent piece of work. Do I hear a little bit of Janis Joplin,or Big Mama Thornton, who may have been your influences? Really looking forward to the full CD of your wonderful seething & sensuous vocal treatments of the blues genre. You're on the right track baby!!
~ ~ ~
SAN DIEGO MUSIC MATTERS
"If the soul of blues music needed a voice it would sing like Cee Cee James. If blues music needed a sultry mama with a kickin' band to rock the blues, then look no further than the Cee Cee James Band. This band breathes the rock into roadhouse blues...."
~ ~ ~
20 Q & A WITH CEE CEE JAMES - San Diego Troubadour
Q: What Does the Blues Mean to You?
A: The ummm humm and the uh huhs of life, in music. Again, it's the soul, the gut, the raw, the real, the basic, but very deep feel of it all. And it don't matter what the lyrics are - what matters is how it feels. The blues is about feel, pure and simple.
~ ~ ~
JUNE ZOUL - A Very Special Personal Fan
I have to tell you that my very best girlfriend lost her husband to cancer last Friday. He was only 50 years old. I was with her for many days during his illness, and she always said that he called her his "Angel", especially towards the end. She stayed the night with us last night, & this morning we were going through my CD's to see if I had anything she might want to play at his memorial service.....I guess you may already know what I'm going to say......we cried together as we listened to your "He called me Angel" CD....It blew her away.....you've touched another life in ways you'll never know. Thank you for you.....
A: I was Born in Portland, OR. However, the majority of my growing up years were in California.
Q: What made you realize that music was your path?
A: A continual nagging desire since childhood to perform from the gut of myself, which I experimented with in acting and modeling, but always dabbling in music because of my writing and singing abilities. I found that in music, I could be the total of who I was and not have to fit into some mold that a photographer or a director required. This was the freedom to write from the core of my life experiences and give of them with voice and performance.
Q: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
A: Life heavy lyrics laid into rhythmic blues rooted rock and soul.
Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?
A: Prince, Chaka Khan, Bill Withers, Big Mamma Thorton, Luther Allison, Howlin’ Wolf, Mavis Staples, Old style Tina Turner. Basically anything real, raw, and sweaty from the gut.
Q: What makes your music unique?
A: The raw and real vocal feel and the depth of the lyric content.
Q: Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of?
A: Well there are many but the ones that stick out as ‘the one’ time after time is each time a fan comes up after a show, or a fan writes after listening to our music and tells me how much it has touched their heart, and/or moved their soul. Those moments are really what keeps me goin’ beyond all else.
Q: What's next for you?
A: Continuing to write, record, and tour extensively in the U.S. and Europe. As well, I have some other interesting promotional ideas which I am currently working on that will launch sometime this year.
PLEASE DONATE NOW TO HELP WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPENSES TO MEMPHIS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES COMPETITION!!! SEE MY MYSPACE BLOG FOR ALL THE SCOOP!!! SECURE PAYPAL TRANSACTION. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
“My thing is... in all my writing, singing and performance is to make the songs come alive for people. To open up the mind, heart and soul with the fire of an intense gut wrenching performance full of vulnerability, honesty and truth.
WHO LET THE GIRLS OUT? - WA Blues Society Bluesletter - Roy Brown
"...she appears to be loved by some, panned by others, and regardless of the VOCAL MEGA TALENT, has never been recognized by the right people. As her set continued, the vocal talent and stage presence became obvious. Her version of Red House combined great music and lyrics with gutsy, raw vocals and SUPERIOR STAGE APPEAL. She finished with a Tina Turner song, Nutbush City Limits. THIS WOMAN IS A RIVETING PERFORMER, primarily in the rock and R & B genres. If you like this type of music, I highly recommend taking in one of her shows."
PLEASE DONATE NOW TO HELP WITH OUR TRAVEL EXPENSES TO MEMPHIS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES COMPETITION!!! SEE MY MYSPACE BLOG FOR ALL THE SCOOP!!! SECURE PAYPAL TRANSACTION. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads: check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Next shows: October 26, Charlie's Bar and Grill in Olympia, WA October 27, The Swiss, Tacoma, WA October 27, Cedarwood Dome, Milton, WA October 28, Jazzbones in Tacoma, WA October 30, Mississippi Pizza in Portland, OR October 31, Nana's Irish Grill and Pub in Newport, OR November 1, Muddy's Hot Cup in Arcata, CA
And don't forget the BIG big show in San Francisco at Bottom of the Hill on November 15!
I'm doing great! My favorite time of year! Hey, I didn't know you are in Langley, nice little town...lots of bookstores!! I love hearing you on XM, maybe someday, I'll get there too! You go girl!!
Hi Cee Cee! I have heard you on Bluesville 3 times now, it all sounds great! The first time they talked about your background in Ca and how you moved to the NW and first lived in P-town and then moved to Seattle, fun stuff! Way to go, I get athrill each time I here one of your songs!! xoxoxoxo Tess
Cee Cee, words can't express how proud I was tonight watching you and your band rock The Swiss tonight. The band was tight and sounded fantastic. Your vocals were awe inspiring! Your live performance is a must see! All my love, Paul
Online Now!
