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James Montgomery Blues / Press

"Legends of rock, folk let love for WBCN shine - James Montgomery, who led a rocking blues band that backed many of the night’s performers, said that celebrating WBCN was akin to celebrating “a culture, a community where people cared about each other.” Billy Squier, who closed the main set, recalled growing up in Wellesley and listening to Peter Wolf deejay from “the college of musical knowledge,” surmising that some on stage that night may not have been there without that education." This was a review of the WBCN Documentary Film Fundraiser Concert held at the House of Blues Boston on Dec 3, 2012

“On Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM), join Boston music legends and the WBCN Family for a rare concert to celebrate and support an upcoming documentary film about the early days of WBCN titled "The American Revolution". Special Master of Ceremonies will be Charlie Daniels. The fantastic performer lineup includes: Billy Squier James Montgomery Blues Band & Johnny A Former Members of the band BOSTON Tom Rush Al Kooper Livingston Taylor Kate Taylor Jonathan Edwards Jon Pousette-Dart Jon Butcher Charlie Farren George McCann David Hull Brian Maes Seth Pappas Sandy Macdonald The Fools Tosh1 Peter Case Barbara Holliday Willie 'Loco' Alexander 'Spider' John Koerner The Uptown Horns Members of Duke and the Drivers Members of Barry and The Remains and more All-Star Guests... It all takes place at the House of Blues Boston, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, Mass. (Event Promotion by Richard Axtman ~ Northern Music)”

“On Monday (12-3-12), at the House of Blues (Boston), there is a benefit extravaganza for the film featuring “Folk Revolution” stars Tom Rush, Livingston Taylor, Jonathan Edwards and “Spider” John Koerner, and “Rock Revolution” heroes Billy Squier, members of Boston, and The Uptown Horns. Additional performers include Danny Klein of The J. Geils Band, Peter Case, Jon-Pousette Dart, Kate Taylor, Willie “Loco” Alexander, The Fools, Sandy MacDonald, Johnny A., Tosh1, Barbara Holliday, members of both Duke & the Drivers and Barry & the Remains. In addition to performing, James Montgomery is serving as musical director for the evening’s festivities. Charlie “Master Blaster” Daniels, original concert emcee at the legendary Boston Tea Party, which stood on the location of the House of Blues, will host the event.”

“The James Montgomery interview by A.J. Wachtel goes Coast-To-Coast. James Montgomery was featured on the cover of the August issue of "The Noise" (Boston, Massachusetts, music magazine), and the article is now in the September issue of BLUES-E-NEWS in Sacramento, California. California Link http://www.blues-e-news.com /September-2012.html Massachusetts Link http://thenoise-boston.com/2012/08/james-montgomory”

“James Montgomery is featured on the magazine's cover and there's an interview with him both in the music magazine and on their web site. Read it here: http://thenoise-boston.com/2012/08/james-montgomory/”

“The headlining act is The James Montgomery Band & Friends. Proceeds from the show will benefit Iraq & Afghanistan War Widows, American Veterans with Brain Injuries, and Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial. "James Montgomery is such an incredible man, and like myself, he cares about our Veterans," (Ayla) Brown said. "It was his idea to put this entire day together- starting with a motorcycle ride from Hanscom Air Force Base all the way to Lowell Memorial Auditorium- followed by a high energy show. I am so honored to be singing at this event, but more importantly I'm honored to help our Veterans in any way that I can." In addition to (James) Montgomery and (Ayla) Brown, the show will include performances from Skunk Baxter, Barry Goudreau, Sib Hassian, Fran Sheehan, Sandy MacDonald, David Hull, and the Uptown Horns. ”

“Few musicians have had a career like that of James Montgomery. He learned how to play the blues harmonica in Detroit from none other than blues masters James Cotton, John Lee Hooker and Junior Wells. But it was in Boston that Montgomery’s career really took off in the 1970s. The James Montgomery Band was as popular as the J. Geils Band, and Montgomery even toured with Geils frontman Peter Wolf, along with Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Bruce Springsteen and others. Montgomery has always loved mixing it up — the blues, he says, is more than just its customary 12 bars. In his latest album, Montgomery goes back to its source, the Mississippi Delta. The album is called “From Detroit to the Delta.””

“NEWS HEADLINE: Portsmouth Abbey Student Jams With Blues Legend James Montgomery Portsmouth Abbey School's Rasaanh Matra '13 displayed his guitar skills at a recent jam session with Blues legend James Montgomery. Matra, of Fall River, is a gifted musician who has benefitted from the services of the Star Kids Scholarship Program. He will perform a few numbers with Montgomery at a Star Kids fundraiser on April 28. Montgomery, along with his band, The James Mongomery Blues Band, will headline that evening's entertainment. The Star Kids Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities for high-risk, low-income children. Saturday ~ April 28th ~ 7-10PM ~ Star Kids Scholarship Program's Dancing with the Stars ~ With The James Montgomery Blues Band ~ Carnegie Abbey Club, 91 Indian Ave, Portsmouth, RI ~ Cost $135 ~ Call 401-848-4187 for tickets!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Star-Kids-Scholarship-Program/340606312625716”

“Blues artist performs at sports club on New Year’s MILFORD – The James Montgomery Band performed on New Year’s Eve to a standing-room-only audience at Hampshire Hills Sports and Fitness Club, the club said in a press release this week. The club said Montgomery gave a “memorable New Year’s Eve show” with a blend of standards and new songs he introduced there that night. ”

“B.B. King & James Montgomery at the Zeiterion Theatre Amazing. An icon. The King of Blues. The Ambassador of the Blues. These are some of the usual terms for B.B. King, who at 86 years old next month still does 200 shows a year on tour. And now this blues legend will be playing at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Sunday September 4th Labor Day weekend. AND James Montgomery, a blues legend in his own right, will open for him. How did New Bedford rate such talent? “Greg (Morton) was a collector of obscure R&B,” says Montgomery. “He got me into bands I’d never heard of like Betty Wright and “The Clean Up Woman.” Gregg is a musicologist. He’s well respected in the music business in the northern part of the country,” he said. James Montgomery was far more humble. He (Morton) mentioned his bass days (with Duke and The Drivers) and called James Montgomery “the gentleman of the blues.” As for B.B. King, Morton said it was a matter of luck and timing.”

“About 1,000 partiers packed the Nantucket Beach Resort in Hull over the weekend for the “Ultimate Nantasket Experience,” a benefit for the historic Paragon Carousel. The event featured comedy, boardwalk snacks, music by James Montgomery, and an auction for items such as dinner prepared by chef Paul Wahlberg (Mark’s bro). This is the same Paragon Hotel that Neutral Milk Hotel rocker Julian Koster lobbied to raise money for in 2009. As Koster said back then, the carousel isn’t in danger of being shut down, but it’s expensive to maintain. Enjoying the carousel during the “Experience” party were Maggi Donahue and Barbara Gaedtke.”

“That bluesman James Montgomery will headline tonight’s “Ultimate Nantasket Experience,” a benefit for the historic Paragon Carousel at the Nantasket Beach Resort. The $100-a-ticket event’s online auction, including a lunch for two at The Square Cafe in Hingham with the Inside Track, is open for bidding until Sunday. Go support the horsies!”

“Thanks for making Homecoming so terrific Thank you to everyone who helped make Yankee Homecoming so enjoyable in so many ways. From the Old-Fashioned Sunday art, activities and old cars to the great musicians who donated their time and talents in Market Square, the burgers, beers, dogs and fun at the bed race, Beatlejuice, the James Montgomery Band, sidewalk sales and tasty treats from all the vendors. (NOTE: This is related to the show that James Montgomery Blues Band played at The Newburyport Yankee Homing on August 5, 2011, there were over 10,000 people in attendance.)”

“Steven Tyler Saves the Day, Joins Old Friend James Montgomery on Stage --- Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler saved the day for a rain soaked music festival in Scituate, Massachusetts this past Sunday. He joined good friend and harmonica legend James Montgomery on stage, bailing out two other acts who had cancelled on the Scituate Heritage Days music festival due to the heavy down pours. The Scituate Heritage Days music festival is held every year, combining live music and entertainment, artisan crafts, kid’s activities and historical site visits for the South Shore of Massachusetts. According to UltimateClassicRock.com, the festivities took a beating this past weekend due to the rain, but was saved when Tyler strutted on stage and joined the local legend Montgomery. The pair were also joined by featured guest Jon Butcher and fellow Aerosmith band mate Brad Whitford. ”

“Aerosmith Update: On Sunday, the day after getting a surprise visit by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in their Boston studio, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Brad Whitford made a surprise appearance of their own at the Heritage Days festival in Scituate, Massachusetts. They sat in with the James Montgomery Blues Band and did "All Your Loving" and "Train Kept a Rollin'." Tyler then joined The Family Stone, featuring four original members of Sly and the Family Stone, for background vocals on two songs.”

“James Montgomery & Friends -- Although he continues to record and tour with the ever-popular James Montgomery Band, Mr. Montgomery has found another home with "The Friends". Formed in 2001 in the light of the 9/11 attacks and nominated in 2003 as "Best Blues Act Of The Year" by the Boston Music Awards (and featured at the annual Awards Ceremony at The Wang Center), their performance at The Amazing Arts Center marks their 10th Anniversary of giving back to those in need. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Joey Cramer & Tom Hamilton, Doug Flutie, Jon Butcher, Charlie Farren, Joey Molland (Badfinger), Danny Klein (J. Geils Band) and Johnny A are only a few who have been featured with the band... you just never know who's going to show up at a JM & Friends show! Don't miss this significant 10-year milestone honoring the memory of those lost with special surprise guests from the legendary Boston music scene!”

“Steven Tyler Treats Partygoers To Surprise Performance - Rocker Steven Tyler delighted partygoers at a magazine bash in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday (30Jun11) when he took to the stage for an impromptu performance. The charismatic Aerosmith frontman was the guest of honour at the House of Blues event, celebrating his cover for local publication Boston Common, and he made a grand entrance on a lime-green motorcycle. But Tyler decided to treat attendees to a special surprise and later jumped onstage unannounced to belt out a series of Aerosmith tracks, including a duet with blues harmonica player James Montgomery on his band's hit, Walking the Dog.”

“Montgomery 'making Nashua a music destination' This weekend, a group of artists will attempt to bring back the spirit of the original Newport Folk Festival at a venue closer to Greater Lowell. Tom Rush, Jonathan Edwards, Bruce Marshall of the Marshall Tucker Band, and Jon Pousette-Dart will headline the debut Nashua Folk Festival, Saturday at Holman Stadium at 6 p.m. The lineup also includes legendary blues ace James Montgomery.”

“Those who might have stopped by to play included Bonnie Raitt, Livingston Taylor and Jonathan Richmond. "Everyone in that little group ended up having careers in the field," said Montgomery, whose band toured with The Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker and The Blues Brothers. Montgomery's new album, "From Detroit to the Delta," features a cover of Hooker's "Motor City's Burning" as well as guest appearances by Johnny Winter, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer of Aerosmith, and Cotton. Montgomery has said the album was inspired by his work with actor Morgan Freeman on the Freeman-produced documentary "Delta Rising." "We are hoping that everyone has a great time," said Montgomery. "This could be the start of something new."”

“James Montgomery talks about the blues, new projects - Who is calling James Montgomery? The inbox on Montgomery’s voicemail is full these days as the veteran blues star continues to augment his musical resume with acting gigs, recording cameos, and his incomparable live shows. - Luckily for Western Massachusetts residents, one of those live performances will be at September’s in Chicopee on Friday. - "It will be our first time out in that area in, I don’t know, 63 years?" Montgomery jokes. "We’ve got a lot of things going on these days. There is a lot to talk about." - So who is calling James Montgomery? - Could be Johnny Winter, who Montgomery has toured with internationally as part of the Johnny Winter Group. It might be Kid Rock again, who Montgomery worked with on the Uncle Kracker release "Double Wide" which netted a gold album. (For the rest of this story follow click the link below or read it in our blog.)”

“Rock and blues legends - Meanwhile, Montgomery, a Detroit native who came to Massachusetts to attend Boston University, was following the blues track, singing, playing harmonica, and touring and jamming with superstars such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, James Cotton and John Lee Hooker before becoming a star in his own right. - Ironically, Montgomery said, his band opened for Edgar Winter's East Coast “Frankenstein” tour in the early 1970s. - “So this is kind of a reunion tour,” he said of Saturday's show. - Montgomery has paired up with Johnny Winter many times throughout the years, and said he ran into Edgar, who he had also been on the road with a few times, at Johnny's 60th birthday party a few years ago. - “I kind of renewed my acquaintance with Edgar then,” Montgomery said. “I've always wanted to bring him out here, because, living out west, he does not come to the East Coast very often.””