News release
Santa Clarita-based Grammy nominee Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps announced the release of their new album, “Bad at Being Good,” available on Friday via a variety of online music providers.
“The band’s 14th career album re-arms their mastery of the rockin’ roadhouse blues that has become their signature sound,” said the news release announcing the album’s debut.
Producers Terry Wilson and John Porter (Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo) assembled “highly skilled and seasoned players to once again stretch the boundaries of their Texas Blues roots with touches of soul and hints of New Orleans spice. The singular sounds of Grammy-winning pianist Jon Cleary add a special treat to the title track,” the release said.
Augmenting the core unit of James (piano/vocals), Billy Watts (guitar), Wilson (bass), Darrell Leonard (trumpet), Paulie Cerra (saxophone) and Tony Braunagel (drums), Grammy-winning keyboard master Kevin McKendree appears on more than half the tracks, Grammy winner Jay Bellerose handles drums on two tracks.
Keeping things in the family, James’ and Wilson’s son-in-law, Richard Millsap (John Fogerty’s touring drummer) adds percussion throughout.
Session guitar master Dane Parks adds flavor to “Trouble in Paradise,” and David P. Jackson, named California Country Music Association’s Best Instrumentalist in 1996, adds accordion to “Anytime is Alright.” Cleary on piano along with slide guitar from Porter are featured on the title track.
James’ musical career includes recordings with Walter Trout, Eric Burdon, Spencer Davis, Tommy Castro, Stephen Bruton, Randy Newman, LeeRoy Parnell, Neil Diamond, and more. She has performed live with others including Marcia Ball, Levon Helm, Lloyd Jones, Delbert McClinton, and Eric Burdon & the Animals.
James is a three-time Contemporary Blues Female Artist Blues Music Award nominee.
“Listeners will revel in this new music from Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps,” MoMojo Records President Sallie Bengtson said in the release. “It is everything you’ve come to know and love from this world-class musical unit, grounded by a rock-solid rhythm section, seasoned with soul and topped off with Teresa’s warm, dynamic vocals.”
“I am so excited about our new album – even after having already released 13 albums, I feel like ‘Bad at Being Good’ is the best yet… with great performances by everyone, including some very special guest artists, and some of the best songs ever, this music truly represents our roadhouse and blues roots, but also shows off the band’s soul inspiration and heart,” James said in the release.
For more information, visit teresajames.com.
