Known for playing a broad mixture of styles during his live performances, James Derrickson (aka: The J. Derrickson Project) realized that he had a fast growing love for the Blues, in particular. While playing bass in a three piece Blues band for 3 years back around 2000, he took his first stab at composing Blues tunes, and quickly recognized that it came fairly easy for him. After releasing two R&B CD's in 2003 and 2007, James decided the time was right to fulfill a dream of composing and recording an all-original Blues album. A year-and-a-half making, “The Blues In Me" was recently released and has garnered tremendous critical acclaim and airplay.
“The Blues In Me" is a collection of various bluesy feels that lyrically, cover an emotional range from happy, sad, sarcastic, and uplifting, to just plain old fun! The opening song. “That Ain't Enough" is a rhythm guitar-driven R&B/Blues groove, that at live shows, has instantly provoked head-bobbing from the first note. “Let Me Be" is the CD's “down and dirty “ blues track. It boasts an emotionally charged guitar, supported by a tasty piano and heavy bass line, featuring Allen Oliver on keys. The title tune “ Blues In Me" musically conjures thoughts of New Orleans and featured Lee Thornton and Rick Berandini on keys and harmonica, respectively. Lyrically, along with “A Little Time" , it goes to explain the emotions that James experiences when playing, as well as listening to the Blues.
“Ain't That A Shame" and “After 'While" feature the unbelievably talented 19 year old saxophonist Jacob Veloo who, as a testament to his skills, is currently a student at Berklee College Of Music in Boston. “Cab, Bartender," jokingly hailed as his “public service song" originally appeared on James' first CD, “Strange Mood." It has been Derrickson's most popular song to play live. Thus, wanting to make it more bluesy, to improve the overall track, and to give it more exposure, James decided to re-record it for this project.
Born in Danville, Illinois, Jim began playing music at the age of eight, playing violin in school and bass with neighborhood musician friends. After graduating high school, he would spend the next twelve years performing with numerous local cover bands, all over the central United States. But, needing to take another step forward, Jim decided to take some time off of the stage and concentrate on writing some of his own material. After moving to Salt Lake City in 1990, the urge to perform again was too strong. So he did some duo work, and joined a six piece dance band. But, not feeling totally satisfied, Jim decided solo would be the way to do all the things he wanted, musically. And with today's technology (drum machines, sequencers, etc.) he knew that he could cover most of the missing elements of a full band. The results; a sound that is enjoyable to listen to, very danceable, and appealing to those with a wide variety of musical taste.
Don't forget to check www.jimmysongs.com for “The Blues In Me" fall/winter tour from the J. Derrickson Project.
“The Blues In Me" is a collection of various bluesy feels that lyrically, cover an emotional range from happy, sad, sarcastic, and uplifting, to just plain old fun! The opening song. “That Ain't Enough" is a rhythm guitar-driven R&B/Blues groove, that at live shows, has instantly provoked head-bobbing from the first note. “Let Me Be" is the CD's “down and dirty “ blues track. It boasts an emotionally charged guitar, supported by a tasty piano and heavy bass line, featuring Allen Oliver on keys. The title tune “ Blues In Me" musically conjures thoughts of New Orleans and featured Lee Thornton and Rick Berandini on keys and harmonica, respectively. Lyrically, along with “A Little Time" , it goes to explain the emotions that James experiences when playing, as well as listening to the Blues.
“Ain't That A Shame" and “After 'While" feature the unbelievably talented 19 year old saxophonist Jacob Veloo who, as a testament to his skills, is currently a student at Berklee College Of Music in Boston. “Cab, Bartender," jokingly hailed as his “public service song" originally appeared on James' first CD, “Strange Mood." It has been Derrickson's most popular song to play live. Thus, wanting to make it more bluesy, to improve the overall track, and to give it more exposure, James decided to re-record it for this project.
Born in Danville, Illinois, Jim began playing music at the age of eight, playing violin in school and bass with neighborhood musician friends. After graduating high school, he would spend the next twelve years performing with numerous local cover bands, all over the central United States. But, needing to take another step forward, Jim decided to take some time off of the stage and concentrate on writing some of his own material. After moving to Salt Lake City in 1990, the urge to perform again was too strong. So he did some duo work, and joined a six piece dance band. But, not feeling totally satisfied, Jim decided solo would be the way to do all the things he wanted, musically. And with today's technology (drum machines, sequencers, etc.) he knew that he could cover most of the missing elements of a full band. The results; a sound that is enjoyable to listen to, very danceable, and appealing to those with a wide variety of musical taste.
Don't forget to check www.jimmysongs.com for “The Blues In Me" fall/winter tour from the J. Derrickson Project.
For more information contact Creativity in Music.
