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James Harman
Blues / Roots Music / Jungle

Strictly the Blues



Huntington Beach, Orange County, California
United States

Profile Views:  71453




Last Login:  11/24/2009
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   James Harman: General Info
Member Since8/18/2006
Band Websitewww.jamesharman.com
Band MembersJames Harman: singin', blowin' harmonicas and shakin' stuff! Nathan James: playin' electric and/or acoustic guitars and singin' sometimes! James Micheal Tempo: playin' a world of cool Afro-Cuban percussion! Steven Hodges: layin' down a vibe on drums & percussion like nobody else! Troy Sandow: playin' upright and/or Fender bass as needed! When a guitar fill in must happen it's: Rick Holmstrom, Junior Watson, Kid Ramos, Kirk Fletcher, Tommy Harkenrider or "Little Frank". When a drum fill-in must happen it's: Steve Mugalian or Don Heffinton. We are all missing our dear friend and bass player of the past 14 years, Dale "Buddy" Clark. RIP Buddy!
InfluencesThere is not enough blank space in the whole stinkin' net to cover that subject ... let's just move on.
Sounds LikeOtis Redding and a visiting Calypso Band, drunk on homemade wine, fist fightin' Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson and The Mighty Sparrow, in a double wide 57 foot, rusty trailer, parked in the Walmarts parkin' lot, in Two Egg Florida on the 5th of July in 1962!
Record Label30 releases on 15 labels, I'm done with 'em!


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   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Nov 22 2009 7:00A
Iva Lee’s Restaurant-San Clemente San Clemente, California
Nov 25 2009 7:00A
The Battle of Blues Harps XXI Long Beach Golden Sails Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom, California

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   About James Harman
James Harman lives in southern California, but his music clearly reflects his southeastern roots. Born in 1946 in Anniston, Ala., to musical parents, Harman began piano lessons at age four and sang in the church choir. His father's Hohner Marine Band harmonicas were in the piano bench, and he would play them after his piano lessons. He experimented with other instruments as well, including guitar, organ, bass and drums, performing solo and with family members at dances and country suppers. He found the blues early in life, both on black radio and on the street corner: "Radio" Johnson, a local blind street singer who played slide guitar with a knife, was an early influence and collaborator. Harman's professional career began in 1962 after moving to Panama City, Fla. Soon after the move, he discovered like-minded friends, who invited him to black nightclubs to see such performers as Little Junior Parker, Jimmy Reed, Little Milton Campbell, Slim Harpo, Bobby Bland, O.V. Wright, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, Joe Tex and James Carr. He began hanging out on a regular basis and was eventually asked to sit in by local house bands, becoming known as "that boy who sings like a man." Encouraged by this acceptance, Harman launched the first of his many rhythm 'n' blues ensembles, using such names as King James and the Royals; Snakedoctor; Disciples of Soul; Disciples of Blues; The Disciples; Voo Doo Daddy; Soul Senders; Pieces of Eight; Kingsnakes; and finally, The Icehouse Blues Band. The buzz surrounding James' live shows attracted talent scouts from several southern record companies. Earl Caldwell, manager of the Swinging Medallions, signed Harman and took him to the Ken-Tel recording studio on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA. In 1964, 18-year-old James cut the first of nine regional 45 RPM singles that would appear on five different labels and put him on the road. James toured the eastern half of the country for the rest of the decade, playing radio station dances, fraternity parties, nightclubs, college concerts, after-hours joints, striptease parlors, bottle clubs (in which Harman would play all night, literally, performing six to eight sets of music) and honky tonks. When he wasn't headlining his own show, he was opening for and/or backing the top R&B artists of the day. During the mid 1960s, Harman relocated to Chicago, New York, Miami, and New Orleans, in efforts to find a home for his music. For various reasons, these moves didn't work: In Chicago, the club scene was sewn up tight by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite and Paul Butterfield. Also, the Windy City, like New York, was just too cold for this Southerners thin gulf coast blood. New Orleans was a violent place, and its music scene at the time consisted of "47 bands on Bourbon Street playing 'Proud Mary," Harman recalls, and a ghetto club scene devoted to R&B and soul music. His recorded work seemed to be of no help. Harman did enjoy some success in Miami. He played free "love-ins" from the backs of flatbed trucks for large crowds of hippies, by day. By night, he played such clubs as the Climax or the Jet-Away Lounge. At the latter, he was the first white act to perform and one of the very first to do so with a racially integrated band. Still, opportunities in Miami were limited; even with a history of recording and touring. All that most local bands could hope for was an opening slot on a larger show. So, in 1970, at the advise of his fellow record collector friends, Canned Heat's Bob Hite, Alan Wilson and Henry Vestine, Harman moved to southern California. Within a month, Harman was performing at the Golden Bear, Troubadour, Ash Grove and Lighthouse, where he and his band were able to play real blues for real blues audiences. Almost immediately, Harman connected with a small community of kindred spirits, such as Rod Piazza, who was leading the band Bacon Fat, Kim "Goleta Slim" Wilson and John "Juke" Logan of the band Brother Chaos. Collectively, these four performers and their bands backed and/or opened for the last great blues artists of an earlier era, both those who lived in the Los Angeles area or visited it while on tour. The "Icehouse Blues Band featuring James Harman" played one- to six-night stints with the likes of Big Joe Turner, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Lloyd Glenn, Lowell Fulsom, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Johnny "Guitar" Watson and Albert Collins. The disco and urban cowboy fads of the late '70s nearly killed club work for blues musicians. Two bouts with bleeding ulcers and two painful divorces almost killed Harman himself! But in 1977 he rebounded to form a new band, with his old piano player, Gene Taylor, using his own name for the first time. The James Harman Band has been a touchstone for notable players, including Phil Alvin and Bill Bateman, who left in 1978 to form the Blasters; "Piano Gene" Taylor, who left in 1981, also to join the Blasters before moving on to the Fabulous Thunderbirds; and David "Kid" Ramos. Ramos played 10 years with Harman, retiring in 1988, return to the blues as guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, for a time. Alumni also include the late Michael "Hollywood Fats" Mann, who played five years with James after leaving his own band in 1980; multi-instrumentalist session man and tunesmith Jeff Turmes played saxophones with James for years, switching to the bass for six more years beginning in 1988. Alumni drummers include Richard Innes, Stephen T. Hodges, Steve Mugalian and Paul Fasulo to name a few. Along the way, Harman's own production company: Icepick Productions, has generated more than a dozen releases to add to the fifteen he had released before using his own name. These thirty releases are the fruit of his almost fifty year career, at this point. While Harman continues to perform and record, he also produces recording projects for other artists. As a producer he uses the four decades worth of studio experience and his special knack for "hearing" how songs should be recorded. Harman and his guitar player/engineer partner, Nathan James, have produced several other blues artists both from America and Europe. They usualy produce at least one other artist every winter, when the blues festival season comes to a close. The pair have worked together since Nathan's 19th birthday in 1997. Meanwhile, seventeen songs from James Harman's releases have been featured in films and television, the most famous being "Kiss of Fire" (from Those Dangerous Gentlemens on Rhino Records), which was the background for the infamous rape scene in "The Accused" (starring Jodie Foster). James' "Jump My Baby" (from Thank You Baby on Enigma Records) has been in three different movies, including "Burning Love." Harman has received 19 W.C. Handy (now changed to Blues Foundation) Blues Award nominations, for his songs on his own releases and for other artists albums, such as his friend and alumni Kid Ramos. Through the years Harman has received 19 W. C. Handy Blues Award nominations, for Blues Song of the Year, Blues Single of the Year and even Re-release of the Year for the CD reissue of his landmark 1987 album, Extra Napkins. James Harman has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and twice won the Best Blues Album of the Year" award, from Canada's Real Blues Magazine. Harman has performed live shows in 23 countries, as many as 250 dates per year, including appearances at such North American festivals as the Long Beach Blues Festival, the New York State Blues Festival, the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Heritage Festival, the King Biscuit Festival in Helena, AR, the Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth, MN, the Waterfront Festival in Portland, OR, the Edmonton (Canada) Blues Festival, and other festivals from Montreal to Mexico City. Abroad, Harman has appeared at the Peer and Spring Blues Festivals in Belgium, the Notodden and Hell Festivals in Norway, The Moulin Blues Festival in Holland, the Great Britain R&B Festival in Colne, England, the Milano and Pistoia Festivals in Italy and the Bayron Bay Festival in Australia, to name a few. In almost five decades of touring and recording, Harman has staked his claim as an original, legitimate blues artist, musician and producer. In his recordings and live performances, James creates music that stands out as unique and personal yet clearly reflects his passion for the roots of the blues. Harman learned a key secret years ago: You have to develop your own approach and identity in order to have lasting success. As vocalist, musician and songwriter, James Harman chronicles life with energy, wit and humor. He has a novelist's eye for detail and irony, and the result is well-conceived music that stands the test of time. Harman's roots are apparent in his recordings and live performances. He is a disciple of the classic qualities of the Southern blues tradition. Still, like his mentors, Harman is telling his own stories. He knows the difference between innovation and imitation, and his own character as a blues artist is fully reflected in his work. In all cases, he remains true to his credo: Strictly the blues. --Bryan Powell

   James Harman's Friend Space (Top 38)
James Harman has 1168 friends.
 Nathan James & Ben Hernandez 


 Ben Hernandez 


 Kid Ramos 


 Peter Nande 


 Tee 


 Doug MacLeod 


 John Hammond 


 Billy Watson 


 Bob Corritore 


 Rhythm Room All-Stars 


 paul oscher 


 Tim Lothar 


 Steve Kozak 


 Hacienda Brothers 


 Chet and The Committee 


 Chas Lewis 


 Ronni Boysen 


 RYLO 


 Charlie Musselwhite 


 RJ 


 James Day and the Fish Fry 


 Mark 


 Lisa Clark 


 IKO IKO 


 ZZ Top 


 Don 


 Anthony Donez 


 Gypsied Pixie 


 Onesidezero 


 JT Ross Harmonica Boss 


 Tony Boyd 


 MoFo Party Band 


 Homeward Bound 


 Anders Damaas 


 Harry Oman 


 Dave Orban and the Mojo Gypsies 


 Mette 


 Bill Stuve 





James Harman's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 563 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Nov 25 2009 10:53 PM


MySpaceAnimations.com



Silly
Girl just got the News that Seafood Gumbo was being served this year
after "The Bad Dog Radio Show" JaBeaux will be unleashing on KAFM,
www.kafmradio.org tomorrow at 12:30PM MST  She went out and got all
fixed up so she can party down and just maybe some Big Tom will be
around to get close and lay a Slow Dance on her...Ya' just never know
about these Turkey's!!  Wishing everyone a Very Special Thanksgiving
and if you just take a second tomorrow and say a little prayer for the
Americans that wear our Colors and are on the front lines so we can
enjoy the Boogie Woogie!
 

The Bonedaddys

The Bonedaddys



Nov 24 2009 8:38 AM

BAMBOO PORCH!  A STONE GAS...as per usual. See you Wed. for that harp thing.
I'll be the one channeling Minnie Pearl in bongo mode..."I'm sooo proud to be here!" Tempo
Neal

Neal Barbieri
Online Now!


Nov 24 2009 4:40 AM

Ciao,James                                        
thanks for your friendship,I am very happy,
you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,
and stupendous voice.
you are certainly one of my favorite, in your musical kind
The feels great admiration for you, 
be really one whom is worth rather to lot!
The hope to listen soon to you, in italy..
talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music,
all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day  
neal 
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Nov 20 2009 2:33 PM

FALL COLOURS Pictures, Images and Photos

The Colors of Fall are still with us and The Gods of Winter are
Coming Buckaroos so get out this Weekend and enjoy your Grooves and
Find where the Live Music Calls!! Slide on those Ballerina Shoes and
have some Fun!! Call someone you've wanted to tell just how much you
care and Love them, go ahead...might not be able to next week and it'll
take a Load off.  So glad your with me on this Groove Train, it gives
the Juice to my Mojo!! Listen to the Inner Voice and let it Flow...Roll
the Dice!  Don't forget to Listen to my upcoming Shows on KAFM at
www.kafmradio.org  The Platform for All Indie Artists!!
CURRY

CURRY



Nov 19 2009 6:38 AM

Deep Elum Blues

Curry&Spiro


Jay Bee Rodriguez

Jay Bee Rodriguez



Nov 15 2009 3:59 PM

Saludos y respeto desde Spain, Mr Harman. Thanks so much for those masterful, amazing blows.




COFFIN CHEATERS CC/MC

COFFIN CHEATERS  CC/MC



Nov 10 2009 3:33 AM

JUST ADDED BILLY WATSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
 

JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Nov 9 2009 4:03 PM

Veterans Day Pictures, Images and Photos

Wishing
Everyone a Fantastic Week ahead and remember Buckaroos, without the Men
and Women who are serving today and in the past...We wouldn't be able
to enjoy what we have today!  The Marine Corps Birthday is Tuesday the
10th of November with Veterans Day Wednesday the 11th...Take the Time
to reach out and thank the Older Vets for their Service, could be your
Dad, your Mother or just a someone on a park bench...Really, Thank them
cause they are the Freedom Fighters, Hell; take them to Lunch or go buy
them a Drink...the ones who wear the uniform today need all our Love
and support, they are our Children doing the deeds of the Power at
Hand!...Freedom isn't Free my Dear Friends...Not at all!

 Semper Fi
Tribute to William Clarke 1951-1996

Tribute to William  Clarke  1951-1996



Nov 8 2009 3:42 PM

UT OH!!!! Shit you already played at the Yale.  Sorry....It's that "Old Age Sittin in!!!!"
Jeannette
Tribute to William Clarke 1951-1996

Tribute to William  Clarke  1951-1996



Nov 8 2009 3:40 PM

Hey James,

Been thinking about you.  Hope your doing good.  See your playing up at the Yale.  Blaine Spencer called me the other day.  You'll probably be seing him up there.  Take care James.
 



Your friend and admirer...
Jeannette
King Nothing

King Nothing



Nov 7 2009 10:32 AM

Icepick! Had a great time hearin' ya at the fairgrounds back in October! I finally got my pictures man! Be hearin' ya soon man!

Photobucket
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Nov 6 2009 3:14 PM

Color Splash Pictures, Images and Photos
When
the Boogie Woogie Splashes In your Soul this Weekend, enjoy the Flow,
Touch it, Feel it...Let it wrap it's Funky, Sweet, Powerful Groove all
around you and Rejoice!! You are Free, Free to unleash your own Groove
on Someone you Love...Someone you want to Love! Let them know just How
you Feel!! Ooooh Yeah, Turn It Up and do the Dance of Life...The Boogie
is On!  Have a Great Weekend Buckaroos!
Hank Deluxe And The Elbow Benders

Hank Deluxe And The Elbow Benders



Nov 5 2009 11:35 PM

Welcome back to Surf City ! It's brutal out there, ain't it ?
                                                                 Yo Pal Always,
                                                                   The Hankster
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Nov 4 2009 4:04 PM

Have a Good, Great Day MySpace Comments and Graphics


Time to slip on those Mojo Dancing Shoes and Unleash your Groove,
Turn it Up and let it Flow! Want be long and I'll be back on
www.kafmradio.org and KVNF...All is well in Paradise!

Mojo Hand Doctor Q

Doctor Q



Oct 31 2009 9:52 AM





James

James Hoskins



Oct 31 2009 2:45 AM

 What a show last night at the Rockfish, great talkin' with you, thanks for droppin in, see you next time around.  James 
Totally Tess

Totally Tess



Oct 30 2009 10:03 PM

Just stoppin by for a listen baby!
Bent Reed & Co.

Bent Reed & Co.



Oct 28 2009 3:55 AM

Hey James,

   Great show last night at Duff's Garage in Portland, OR.!!! Real pleasure to meet you and to see you perform in person! Keep on keepin' on man!

Sincerely, Bent Reed

 

JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Oct 27 2009 2:42 PM

tornado..&amp;quot;animation..&amp;quot;<br />Pictures, Images and Photos

Bringing on the Boogie is like encountering the Force of a Wild Tornado
on Tuesday knowing that Hump Day is Tomorrow and Friday Morning at 6am
MST is so very close and this is when everyone gets a Real Good Dose of
The Orbit Lounge with JaBeaux on KAFM!  The Boogie is On!
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Oct 25 2009 3:02 PM

HD Sunday Pictures, Images and Photos



No matter how you feel about these Wars that the Powers to be have us
in, these are our Son's, Daughter's, Father, Mothers, Husbands and
Wives...They Dream, they wish, to have a Sunday like us So, take some
time Today and just think about these Americans who do the Dirty Work
so we can enjoy the Boogie here at Home!  Enjoy this Fine Fall day and
call someone and tell them how much you care for them...Go ahead, it'll
make you feel good and ya' just never know...You could get Lucky
!
JaBeaux

JaBeaux GrooveMaster



Oct 23 2009 1:18 PM

beatlejuice Pictures, Images and Photos





Ooooooh Yeah, It's Showtime Buckaroos!! It's been such a Long
Time but this Saturday at High Noon MST on KAFM I'll be back on the Air
unleashing the Boogie for everyone on this Rock we Ride, It's all about
the Groove we share in life that makes this Trip such Tasty
Party...KAFM has
a High Stream...Oooooh it has been such a Long Time and even the crack
of Dawn is running from me! Go out this Weekend and Dance, Dance, Dance
until ya' make your Soul Shine! It's so good to be back in Colorado and
back where it all began!  Tune In and Turn It Up!! The Boogie is On!
Get on the Phone and call someone who needs to know just how you feel
about them, tomorrow just might be too late! Roll the Dice and enjoy
the World of Boogie Woogie and Jive!
Hank Deluxe And The Elbow Benders

Hank Deluxe And The Elbow Benders



Oct 21 2009 10:59 PM

Icepick !! Greetings from H.B. !! Love ya Brotha !
Black Cat Bone

Black Cat Bone



Oct 21 2009 8:36 AM

Thanks for your friendship, James. You sound great!
Greetings from Germany & all the best,
Uli





Luc

Luc Meert



Oct 21 2009 6:04 AM

Thanks for the add and your awesome real bluezy music !
Shawn

Shawn



Oct 16 2009 10:06 AM

Happy HalloWEED
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