James Montgomery: The Harmonica Maestro and His Journey Through the Blues

- His biography

Synopsis: James Montgomery, a blues legend known for his electrifying harmonica playing and commanding stage presence, has carved a remarkable career spanning decades. Raised in Detroit, Montgomery was mentored by blues greats like James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells, who inspired his deep passion for the genre. After forming the James Montgomery Band in 1970, he quickly became a fixture in Boston's burgeoning music scene, sharing the spotlight with acts like J. Geils and Aerosmith. A multi-album deal with Capricorn Records followed, solidifying his place in blues history.

From 2002 to 2004, Montgomery took on a prominent role in Johnny Winter's band, assuming lead vocals and delivering unforgettable blues harp solos that added intensity to the band's live performances. His collaborations with artists such as Gregg Allman, Kid Rock, and B.B. King, along with jam sessions with icons like Mick Jagger, reflect his enduring influence on the music world. Over the years, Montgomery has not only led his own band but also nurtured the careers of numerous musicians, making him one of the most dynamic and vital figures in blues today.

Photo of Johnny Winter - https://vinyl-records.nl/johnny-winter/biography/index.html

James Montgomery: The Harmonica Maestro His Biography
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When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home". Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed the James Montgomery Band. His inimitable harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records. In 1974 The James Montgomery Blues Band supported Johnny Winter at the War Memorial concerts in January 1974.

From 2002 until 2004, James Montgomery toured extensively with Johnny Winter's band. During this period, he took on a prominent role, handling lead vocals and delivering standout blues harp solos on several songs. His dynamic performances added a new layer of intensity to the live shows, showcasing his deep connection to the blues and further enhancing the band's onstage presence.

Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax".

Over the years Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.