"Armstrong is an inspiring artist, and we
obviously haven't seen the last of him"
Blues Revue

"Armstrong redefines the range
of contemporary blues"
Blues Access

James Armstrong is one of a very few seasoned artists who manages to honor the sound of traditional blues while giving it the contemporary grit
to which fans love to groove. Born to make music, his mother was a blues singer, his father played jazz guitar. James started performing at th age of
eight and by the time he was 17, he was touring across the country. Over
the years he’s worked with Albert Collins, Keb Mo', Coco Montoya,
Roy Brown, Chaka Khan, Ricky Lee Jones, Jan & Dean,Mitch Michell (Jimi Hendrix's drummer)and Tommy Castro,
to name just a few.

As both a performer and storyteller, James works with mood, humor and atmosphere, a skill that has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers. Several of his songs have been chosen for movie soundtracks. Bank of Love was used
in "Hear No Evil" and "The Florentine.". Two Sides to Every Story is
featured in "Speechless."

His about-to-be-released fourth CD promises more authentic 21st Century blues songs, including among them: a funk-driven tribute to an old
bluesman who helped him along the way; a mysterious and courageous
bit of biography; a funny, yet painfully accurate rant about border
crossing post-9/11 and a voodoo-drenched cautionary tale about
seduction. Expect more searing slide, engaging grooves, soulful
singing,and trademark Armstrong wit as James continues to draw
fromhis unique personal history, raw instincts and seasoned skills.

Seen live, Armstrong has a confident stage presence that combines grace
with grit. Few blues artists know how to play the crowd as James can,
shifting dynamics from a whisper to a growl. Wherever he travels,
from Lebanon to Alaska, from Hong-Kong to Norway, his
magnetism continues to hush a noisy rabble or entice a
crowdto follow him out into the street or down the
length of a beach. Little wonder he’s been dubbed
“The Ambassador of the Blues.”

 

Living Blues
"... With a skintight band and a well-balanced combination of fire, technical
 proficiency, and taste, Armstrong continues on his way to the
upper echelon of contemporary blues artists. "

Blues Access
"... " Armstrong smoothly redefines the range of
contemporary blues. Highly recommended. "

CBC Radio
“…full of haunting and subtle nuances that point to a life rich with
experience, this musician has definitely paid his dues. James
plays for and with his audience, extending the reach of the blues
to include highly-charged sensuality, yearning, healing
and good lowdown fun!”
CBC  Radio

Jazz Times
"...Demonstrates the kind of flexibility that allows him easily
and convincingly shift gears from slow blues... to urban funk...
to N’awlins grooves to rousing roadhouse shuffles... "

Big City Blues
"... This release presents a formidable array of contemporary blues. It's well written - movin_ jivin_ and doin' all the right thing_. "



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