Dear Media Friend,

I’d love to put Jamie James on your radar for an interview or feature opportunity.

Jamie is the definition of a rock & roll lifer. He first made waves in the early ’80s with his cult-favorite rockabilly trio The Kingbees (whose single “My Mistake” landed them on American Bandstand), spent decades as Harry Dean Stanton’s guitarist and right-hand man, and co-founded Dennis Quaid & The Sharks. Along the way, he’s played stages around the world, swapped stories with legends, and carved out a reputation as one of rock’s most authentic journeymen.

Now 71, Jamie’s still got the grit in his voice, the twang in his Strat, and the urgency of someone who’s got nothing to prove—but everything to say. His solo album Straight Up—a raw set of bluesy, roots-driven rockers recorded with longtime Sharks bandmates—is being pressed to vinyl for the first time on September 12 via Oglio Records. A limited run of signed copies will also be available.

And because he’s not slowing down, Jamie just released a new lyric video for “Septuagenarian Blues”—a wry, soulful track that nods to both his age and his unshakable fire. Watch it here: Septuagenarian Blues lyric video.

Jamie’s not only got a new record—he’s got stories. About the early days of the L.A. rockabilly scene, about life on the road with Harry Dean Stanton, about what it means to still be chasing songs and plugging in a guitar after 45 years.

Would you be open to a chat or feature around the vinyl release? I’d be happy to set up a quick call, Zoom, email Q&A, or provide review assets.

Thanks so much for considering—Jamie’s one of those artists whose story is as compelling as his songs, and I think your readers will get a kick out of him.

Here’s a private stream of the record:
https://s.disco.ac/mwhvjfaewiwu

Private link to download the album: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/mdyqh3dg4r09flm9xvoxe/AM9BP-L...

For review purposes only. Please inquire about interview opportunities. Thanks!

Los Angeles, CA — Jamie James has never been one to sit still. From leading the cult-favorite rockabilly trio The Kingbees, to trading licks with Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, to sharing the stage with the late Harry Dean Stanton, James has built a reputation as one of rock & roll’s most authentic journeymen. This fall, he celebrates another milestone: the first-ever vinyl pressing of his 2025 solo LP Straight Up, arriving September 12, on Oglio Records.

Straight Up captures James at a moment of stripped-down honesty—ten songs of rootsy rock, blues, and Americana delivered with no filters and no frills. Now available on limited-edition translucent red vinyl, the record takes on new life in the analog format that best matches its spirit. A small number of signed copies are also available for fans who want a collectible piece of James’ storied career.

Recorded with longtime friends and Sharks bandmates Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancillas (bass), the album pulses with the same raw energy James brought to The Kingbees’ self-titled debut 45 years ago—yet it carries the weight and perspective of a life spent making music on his own terms.

“There’s just something about hearing these songs on vinyl,” James reflects. “The sound is warmer, the stories hit a little deeper, and it feels like the record is exactly where it belongs—on a turntable.”

Highlights like “Show Biz Boogie,” “Let the Praying Begin,” and “Straight Up” showcase James’ flair for storytelling and his unshakable love for rock’s timeless forms. Adding to the celebration, James has also unveiled a brand-new lyric video for Straight Up standout “Septuagenarian Blues”, now streaming here.

Critics have hailed the album as “old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll done right” (Backseat Mafia) and “a record that pours a whiskey and lets the groove do the talking” (P&L Music). With Straight Up, Jamie James doesn’t just revisit his past—he proves that his passion burns just as brightly in the present. This release is both a celebration of his long journey and a reminder that authentic rock & roll still thrives when it’s made from the heart.

Order the vinyl (including signed copies) here:
Bandwear / Oglio Shop

Stream the album here:
https://lnk.to/StraightUp

Straight Up Track Listing

1 Let the Praying Begin

2 Get a Hold of Myself

3 Show Biz Boogie

4 Septuagenarian Blues

5 Too Far Gone

6 Knock Me Out

7 Keep on Rockin’

8 Morning Noon and Night

9 Never Stop Dreaming

10 Heavy Load of the Blues

What others are saying...

"Some good old Rock n Roll done the old-fashioned way. Slick acoustic, bursts of bluesy harmonica and finely aged catchy vocals. You could say they don’t make songs like this anymore, except Jamie James does."- Backseat Mafia

"Jamie James doesn’t just write music—he lives in it. This is the kind of record that doesn’t rush to impress—it leans back, pours a whiskey, and lets the groove do the talking-- bluesy, heartfelt, sometimes cheeky, always grounded—and it leans into that with conviction."- P&L Music

"Few musicians can claim a career as rich and diverse as Jamie James. James has left an indelible mark on rock, rockabilly, and Americana music. Blending his signature twang with a fresh “blues-pop” sound, Straight Up is a testament to his evolution as an artist."- Biff Bam Pop

"With a sound that blends raw rock, a touch of blues, and an unapologetic authenticity, James proves that his passion for music burns as brightly as ever."- Savoir Faire Magazine

"James brings a deep sense of musicality and craftsmanship to every project, blending blues, rockabilly, and Americana with timeless authenticity. His latest solo album, Straight Up, is a reflection of his vast experience and ever-present creative spark." - Music N Gear

"James has a lifetime of perspective to bring not only to his songwriting, but to how he makes and records music, and the big lessons seem to be: Stay creative, stick to what you love, and make music with the people who bring you energy to do more."- Americana Highways

"The production across the album is flawless and fans of modern blues, pop and rock will enjoy this."- Power Popaholic

"Veteran guitarist, songwriter and singer Jamie James. Jamie has been making great music for decades. " - Retro Rock Roundup

"Jamie James returns with new music, bringing his rich, rock-infused legacy to a new chapter."- All About The Rock

"Harkens back to a time when rock n’ roll was king with artists such as Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran."- City News Calgary

"The music is unhurried, contemplative, providing an intentional vibe of directness, and while James is obviously a fan of Rock and Rockabilly, this may even carry a hint of the Blues. There’s also a seriousness and drama to the instrumentation that makes “Let The Praying Begin” far more than a introspective love song, and taps into a tradition along the lines of Johnny Cash... Drama forms the core of the song, and that’s supported by all of its musical aspects as well as its lyrics."- Wildfire Music + News

Follow Jamie James:

www.instagram.com/straightupjamie/

About Oglio Records

Celebrating over 32 years in the music industry, Oglio Records has built a reputation as a top independent label, with releases spanning rock, hip-hop, and comedy. The label has worked with icons such as Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek (The Doors), Cyndi Lauper, Smash Mouth, Kool Keith, and many more. Oglio’s success has even landed them a spot on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in America.

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