A force in the Tulsa music scene for decades, it’s high time that consummate sideman Brad James put out his first album as a front man. Tulsa composer, musician and member of the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Chris Combs produced At Fellowship Hall (Horton Records), helping James build a new home for the songs rattling around in James’ mind.

James’ love for music began at an early age and he started his musical career as a founding member of Medicine Show, and toured and recorded with that group from 1990-98. After Medicine Show, Brad played with Steve Pryor Band, toured with Brandon Jenkins and Stoney LaRue and began a residency with Tom Skinner’s Science Project. For three decades, red dirt royal James has played with other bands and written songs others recorded, including the likes of Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame inductee Tom Skinner, The Great Divide (Atlantic Records), Cross Canadian Ragweed and Stoney LaRue.

Founded in 2010, the Brad James Band began in the melting pot of genres that is Tulsa rock, with influences from JJ Cale, Leon Russell, Derek and the Dominoes, The Band, the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers Band.

At Fellowship Hall boasts eight original tunes which reveal all of the band’s influences, topped off with their own Heartland-music twist. All of the songs are highlighted by deft piano playing and slide guitar work by Brad James himself and features playing by some of Tulsa’s greatest, including producer Chris Combs.

“I hope all this effort is worth it,” James sings on the “Effort” track. James told Elmore, “We love to sing and play this one. It has been like a mantra for us in the making of the record, doing the gigs, and living life.” You can hear why, with the Grateful Dead guitar riffs and the Allman Brothers-inspired organ.

Learn more about Brad James HERE

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