Hi Friend,

I wanted to see if you’d be open to a quick interview or feature with veteran rocker Jamie James, whose new solo album Straight Up arrives on vinyl September 12 via Oglio Records.

Jamie is a true rock & roll lifer—best known as the founder of early-’80s rockabilly trio The Kingbees (“My Mistake”), longtime guitarist for the late Harry Dean Stanton, and co-founder of Dennis Quaid & The Sharks. Now 71, he’s channeling a lifetime of grit, heartbreak, and swagger into this punchy new collection.

The latest single, “Show Biz Boogie,” is a bluesy, tongue-in-cheek swipe at the glitz and burnout of entertainment culture. Jamie’s still got the edge in his voice, a rebel twang in his playing—and stories for days.

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 — Veteran singer-songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller Jamie James—frontman of the influential ’80s rockabilly trio The Kingbees, longtime member of Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, and collaborator with the late Harry Dean Stanton—will release his acclaimed solo album Straight Up on vinyl for the first time on September 12, 2025 via Oglio Records.

Written during a burst of pandemic-era creativity and recorded with a seasoned crew of longtime collaborators, Straight Up is a 10-track set of raw, roots-driven rock ’n’ blues. Packed with twangy Strat riffs, gritty harmonica, and no-frills storytelling, the album arrives on limited-edition red vinyl, bringing out the warmth and depth that only analog can deliver.

James is joined by his Sharks bandmates—Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancillas (bass)—infusing the record with both the spirit of his rockabilly roots and a renewed urgency. The result is a collection that bridges eras, celebrating where he’s been while pushing forward with conviction.

Marking 45 years since The Kingbees’ debut, this vinyl release doubles as both a career milestone and a fresh statement from a true rock & roll lifer.

“There’s something magical about hearing Straight Up on vinyl—the warmth, the crackle, the way it demands your full attention,” says James. “I’m thrilled fans can finally experience the album the way I always imagined it: spinning loudly on a turntable.”

With a career that runs through some of the most authentic corners of American music, Jamie James offers Straight Up as both a love letter to rock & roll tradition and a reminder that he’s still very much in the game.

Pre-order the vinyl here:

https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/oglio-records-shop/pro...

Stream the Album:
https://lnk.to/StraightUp

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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