Available to book from $1000 (USD). For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.
James Pitts is more than a musician; he's a force of nature on the blues-rock scene. With a career spanning decades and a passion for storytelling through music, Pitts has earned a reputation as a captivating performer.
Early Years and Influences
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Pitts was drawn to music from an early age, but didn't start playing guitar until his late teens. Influenced by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, and BB King, he picked up the guitar and began honing his craft. Their soulful melodies and electrifying performances ignited something within him, setting him on his musical path.
The Journey Begins
Pitts' journey as a professional musician kicked off in 2008, when he burst onto the scene with his distinctive blend of soul blues, funk blues, and traditional blues. His live performances became legendary, captivating audiences with his virtuosic guitar playing and raw, emotive vocals.
Playing with His Heroes
Throughout his career, Pitts has been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to open for or perform with some of his heroes, such as Pat Travers, Eric Gales, Chris Duarte, Brian Howe, Little Milton, actor-comedian Bill Murray, Luther Guitar Jr Johnson, and many more. James also played guitar for former Bobby Blue Bland guitarist Ray Drew off and on for a number of years before Ray passed away.
Influence and Impact
Pitts' influence extends beyond the stage; his music speaks to the universal human experience, touching hearts and souls with its raw honesty and emotional depth. Songs like "Misery" and "Let's Talk" delve into themes of struggle, love, and redemption, resonating with listeners on a profound level.
The Road to Recovery
In 2021, Pitts faced a setback when a back with the death of his booking agent due to complications from Covid 19, and a debilitating back injury forced him to step away from performing. But true to his resilient spirit, he embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery, emerging stronger and more determined than ever to share his music with the world.
The Return
Now, in 2024, Pitts is back and ready to reclaim his rightful place in the spotlight. With a new album in the works and a renewed sense of purpose, he's poised to once again electrify audiences with his soul-stirring music and unforgettable live performances.
The Legacy Continues
As James Pitts continues to evolve as an artist, his legacy grows ever richer and more enduring. With each note he plays and every lyric he sings, he cements his place in the pantheon of blues-rock greats, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music for generations to come.
From 2016 to 2019 James won 5 awards.
2016 Blues Tone Magazine Award Winner - Instrumentalist - On Guitar
2016 Blues Tone Magazine Award Winner - Best Emerging Artist
2017 Award Winner - Best Song - Misery
2018 Granite State Blues Challenge winner with MoGuitar
2019 Blues Tone Award - Blues Rock Artist Of The Year
= areas covered (up to 205 miles)
= free travel (up to 15 miles)
James Pitts Band - Covers Song List
The Buddaheads - Hear It From You
Joe Bonamassa - You Upset Me Baby
Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want
Santana - Black Magic Woman - Gypsy Queen
Delbert McClinton - Shaky Ground
Buddy Guy - Mustang Sally
Tab Benoit - Nothing Takes The Place Of You
ZZ Top - A Fool For Your Stockings
Ronnie Baker Brooks - Come On Up
Little Milton - What Do You Do When You Love Somebody
Damon Fowler - Sounds Of Home
Rolling Stones - Miss You
Prince - Guitar
Albert Collins - Cold, Cold Feeling
Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower
Bernard Allison - I Think I Love You Too Much
Duke Robillard - Fishnet
The Buddaheads - House Of Shame
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Mary Had A Little Lamb
Roy Buchanan - The Chokin' Kind
ZZ Top - Tush
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Tab Benoit - Up and Gone
Walter Trout - I'm Back
Aretha Franklin - Chain Of Fools
Nina Simone - Feeling Good
Rick Estrin - Looking For A Woman
John Nemeth - Love Me Tonight
Buddy Guy - Feels Like Rain
Jimi Hendrix/Stevie Ray Vaughan - voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Damon Fowler - It Came Out Of Nowhere
Tommy Castro - You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
Sean Costello - Double Trouble
Albert Collins - Honey Hush
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Superstition
Darrell Nulisch - Just For You
BB King - The Thrill Is Gone
Smokin' Joe Kubek - Have Blues Will Travel
Fabulous Thunderbirds - Sofa Circuit
Duke Robillard - Anything It Takes
Bernard Allison - Boogie Man
Luther Allison - Living In The House Of The Blues
Eric Clapton - Old Love
Coco Montoya - Same Old Thing
Albert Collins - A Good Fool Is Hard To Find
Buddy Guy - Messin' With The Kid
Tinsley Ellis - To The Devil For A Dime
John Nemeth - I Can't Help Myself
David Shelley - You Wreck Me
Eric Gales - Hush
Damon Fowler - Old Fools, Bar Stools, And Me
Chris Isaak - Wicked Game
Blues Brothers - Gimme Some Lovin'
Eric Clapton - Hoochie Coochie Man
Luther Guitar Jr Johnson - Every Woman Needs To Be Loved
Colin James - That's What You Do To Me
Robert John & The Wreck - Oh Miss Carolina
BB King - To Know You Is To Love You
Bob Seger - Betty Lou's Gettin' Out Tonight
James Pitts Band - Originals
I've Got Trouble
Love Me
Come To Play The Blues
We're Gonna Boogie
Let's Talk
Hey Baby
Misery
The House Down On The Corner
I'm Just Fighting These Blues
Crying In The Rain
Hating Love
Cold, Cold Sweat
Saw The Love In Her Eyes
Though You're Gone
I'm Gonna Love You
You Better Run
Doin' The Best
Never Have I Ever
Shut Up And Pour
The Reaper
Once Again My Love
On The Line
Found My Redemption
I'm Moving On
Mean and Evil
I Know You're Cheating
Well My Baby
Big City Blues
Good at Being Bad
Look Out
Whole Lotta Blues
On The Run
Chase The Blues Away
Paying My Due
Take These Blues
A space large enough to accommodate up 6 band members, 6 power outlets, 4 parking spots.
Where do we load in, is there stairs, is there a PA, is there lights, is there a stage, is there enough power, is the power located close to the stage, what is the capacity of the venue, are there any special events happening (birthdays, wedding parties,etc..), are there any specials (ie..$5, pitchers), are there any limitations as far as sound, if outdoors - is there a cover over the performance area, is it an all ages show, do they provide any food, drinks, lodging for the band.
If the venue does not have house lights and a PA, yes, the band brings about $33,000 of gear minimum for a typical show.
If needed yes.
The James Pitts Band has performed at the Barnful of Blues Festival which had serval thousand attendees, HutchFest, which also has several thousand attendees, and the Kansas State Fair which also has thousands of attendees. Some venues he has performed at are: 9 Wallis, Salt City Brewing Company, The Red Shed Music Venue. These were all great shows.
It's hard to say what the best gig they've every done is. I would probably have to say It was one of two shows, A) the Jewel Music Venue in Manchester NH opening for Eric Gales, or B) Salt City Brewing Company in Hutchinson, Ks opening for Chris Duarte.
The James Pitts Band loves performing and they enjoy playing all events, but really like playing festivals.
James began gigging in 1996 as the lead guitarist for the Unknown Blues Band. He would also play guitar in DV8, and P.L.A.E.D.O. In 2004 he would move to Kansas and form Brick River. Brick River would go onto open for or perform with Pat Travers, Johnny Winter, Little Milton, Brian Howe, and actor-comedian Bill Murray.
In October of 2016 James formed the original James Pitts Band lineup. James Pitts and MoGuitar, from 2016 through 2017 the band would open for or perform with Eric Gales, Popa Chubby, Tinsley Ellis. James began writing material for his debut album in late 2018, and went into Oak Hill Music in June of 2019 and cut the whole album live in one take. The album released in August of 2019. Covid19 really slowed thing down for the band in 2020 leaving them playing on 5 shows for the year. In 2021 the bands booking agent passed away and James suffered a debilitating back injury. After some time off, he is now healed and ready to return to the stage, and release a new album.
James has many, many influences from many different genres of music.
Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Chris Cain, Sean Costello, Richie Kotzen, Charles Baty, Junior Watson, Herb Ellis, Albert Collins, BB King, Freddie King, Little Milton, Lonnie Brooks, Luther Allison, Barney Kessell, Tal Farlow, Miles Davis, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Andy Timmons, Eric Johnson, and many, many more.
Favorite artist is probably Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Greatest song of all time is a hard one since it's all subjective. Maybe Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody.
The band usually shows up a few hours before show time so they can get set up and sound checked and still have a bit of time (at least an hour or 2 sometimes more) to relax before performing.
If the band is performing for any less than two hours they will not take a break.
If the band is performing for three hours they perform two 83 minute sets with one 10 minute break in between.
If the band is performing for four hours they perform three 73 minute sets and take two 10 minute breaks.
The minimal performance time for the band is 45 minutes, the maximum performance time for the band is 4 hours.
We’re happy to play outside but we ask for shade, a flat level surface and a power supply close to the performance area. And if possible a cooler of cold waters.
The James Pitts band has set repertoire of material they perform , however James is not against adding a couple songs if they are given ample time to do so. But James has the final say on all material.
Edgar Plowne (Concert Promoter)
Over the years I have seen a lot of great blues bands from bands like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Sean Costello, to bands around today like Joe Bonamassa, Philip Sayce, Chris Cain, Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Anthony Gomes, etc.. James can keep up with all of them, in many cases he's just as good in most he's actually better. You don't have to believe me, just go see him for your self.
Elle Young (Venue Owner)
Absolutely recommend - must see or hire this band! You will be floored & rocked 🎸🤘
Patricia Young (Talent Buyer)
I was thoroughly impressed by the James Pitts Band's live show. Their music is engaging, their performance is dynamic, and James's guitar work is simply stunning.
Jim Gruver (Event Organizer - Downtown Hutch Rod Run - HutchFest)
What a great sound! They have played several times for us and always knocked it out of the park! Downtown Hutch Rod Run - HutchFest.
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