The Whiskey Shambles’ bassist, Brother James, grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, during the punk and metal scene of the ’80s and has been playing music for almost three decades. Thanks to his mother’s eclectic musical taste, he was raised on everything from old-school country, big band, bluegrass, and folk, to showtunes, baroque, and opera – as well as the classic rock, garage, and punk that he was drawn to on his own.

In addition to bass, James also plays blues harmonica. Over the years he has performed in various rock, metal, punk, jazz, and blues bands, including, Idle, Leo Clarke Band, Tempted Souls, RB Stone (from Nashville), Cincy Blues Syndicate, Brian Keith Wallen Band, RiverTowne Ramblers, The Goodle Boys, and the Cincinnati Entertainment Award-winning blues bands, Voodoo Puppet and The Whiskey Shambles.

Brother James has played many large events and festivals, including the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, headlining Millennium Music Conference, Cincy Blues Fest’s Showcase Stage, headlining Cincinnati’s Winter Blues Fest. He has also opened for many national and touring acts, including Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Little Feat, and Delbert McClinton, to name a few.