Jim James & The Damn Shames: band bio's
Jim James & The Damn Shames - the band
"Jim James & The Damn Shames" were born in the back of a buckboard wagon while making the dangerous crossing of virgin prarie on the way to a new life in the West. Trials and tribulations that effect many frontier families are to be expected and this one has been no exception. The band settled in a small but growing community surrounded by beautiful lakes and woodlands. Electricity soon came to their hometown so they built themselves a stage, plugged in their guitars and homemade amplifiers, and they put on a show. Pretty soon the whole town was swinging and a-swaying to the deliciously groovy rhythms these rockin' young bucks were putting down. An album was released. A celebration was in order; it was a gala affair.
After the original bassist was found to have faked his own kidnapping, a replacement was found. He has a very big bass.
Having been nominated for more than just one award, the band now takes coffee with international ambassadors and retreats to their own private Giesha House in the Netherlands to compose songs and create new foreign holidays for all to share. They love community, and sushi.
James Travis - Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Singer/Songwriter
James Travis has been an active member of the Madison, Wisc. performing songwriter community since moving there in the late 90's from Tucson, AZ. Having released a solo album project in 2002 (Goin' Downtown Tonight), the JJDS project is his second collection of original material.
The Madison Area Music Awards in 2005 nominated the JJDS album for "Best Americana Album" and "Best Americana Artist."
Now performing regionally with the band, and as a solo-acoustic act, James otherwise keeps busy with a new baby girl and graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Brian Bentley - Drums
Brian Bentley just can't stop rockin'. Having toured the nation as a drummer in the Elizabeth Schaeffer Band and holding down the beats in Headpump, The Mandalorians, and The Penny Dreadfuls, Brian has an insatiable urge to Rock!! Also among the braintrust behind the success of the debut JJDS album, Brian continues to help guide the group with booking and management minutae.
Jeff Hammes - Bass, Vocals
Jeff Hammes has a big bass, and the amp to back it up. Having spent time performing in several varied and eclectic musical groups, Jeff now divides his time between Jim James & The Damn Shames and The Jambeau, unless he is doing session work around the state. Jeff is responsible for almost all of the post-recording mixing and editing of the JJDS album (nominated for a 2005 MAMA "Best Americana Album"). If you like what you hear, thank Jeff!!
Tim Haub - Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Lap Steel
After touring Europe with his buddy Chuck in the mid-90's, Tim settled in Madison and has been gracing our fair city with his tasty chops ever since. A long-standing member of pianist John Chimes' band; Tim is known for his vintage tones as well as his winning personality. After a long and persistant courtship JJDS finally convinced Tim that he is really a Damn Shame and just needs to accept it. He has, and we could not be happier.
Catch the show and you'll know, this ain't no jive.