Marion James - Marion James & The Hypnotics (1994)

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Marion James grew up in a family with a love for music. Her mother played piano in church, her sister sang gospel for the Claire Ward Singers, her uncle played guitar and banjo, and several of her cousins were professional musicians. Like most great R&B singers, Marion’s musical background is firmly rooted in the church. As a child, James first experience with blues music came from watching vaudeville shows, checking out local performers or listening to her mother’s record collection of 78s.

During the early 1960’s, Marion’s touring band included guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, and bassist, Billy Cox. Their live performances electrified audiences throughout the South. In 1966, she recorded the top-ten hit “That’s My Man” for Nashville’s Excello Records. The track featured legendary blues guitarist, Johnny Jones (Bobby Blue Bland) and Marion’s husband, trumpeter/arranger Jimmy Stuart. Stuart also arranged horn charts for such notable artists as Junior Parker and Bobby Blue Bland. Marion continued performing till the mid 1980s when she decided to take a long overdue break from the road.

In the early 90s, Marion met guitarist Casey Lutton. She began to perform with his group, The Hypnotics. Several years later, she and this funky outfit recorded an album for the Italian label, Appaloosa Records. Since then, Marion has shared the stage with Rufus Thomas, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Chick Willis, and many others! She’s played to sold-out audiences in Europe and the Southeastern United States. Recently, Marion will be part of an exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame. “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945-1970” covers the rich and vibrant R&B music history of Nashville.

Marion’s latest recording, essence, is an intoxicating blend of blues, soul, and jazz and features some of Nashville’s finest musicians. Legendary jazz pianist, Beegie Adair, and her trio accompany Marion on six of the twelve songs. Adair’s restraint and poise perfectly complement James unique vocal styling. Marion’s vocal style is reminiscent of her influences such as Billie Holiday, Ruth Brown, and Etta James. The remaining tracks find Marion in an electric soul blues setting. Musicians like keyboardist Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), guitarist Jack Pearson (The Allman Brothers) , bassist Bob Babbitt (Motown session musician), and drummer Chucki Burke (Willie Dixon, Issac Hayes) drive the point home with music that’ll make you jump out of your seat! From the greasy funk of “Tables” to the silky groove of “Let’s Straighten It Out”, Marion commands each track with the profound conviction that only a veteran can convey. With a new album in hand, Nashville’s Queen of The Blues will once again take the stage in support of her latest effort