Jan James | Interview | New Album, ‘Time Bomb’
Chicago-based blues artist Jan James recently released her 12th album, ‘Time Bomb,’ out via Blue Palace Records.
‘Time Bomb’ is the most sweeping record in Jan James’ career. While there’s a healthy and groove-heavy dose of the Chicago blues on which she built her career, Jan’s iconic voice also moves into sweet pop and a little Americana effortlessly. Bolstered by nth-level guitar work and production by Craig Calvert, the songs on ‘Time Bomb’ are both immediate in message and timeless in spirit.
“All of the songs from ‘Time Bomb’ are inspired by the times we are living in. Writing these melodies and lyrics gives my soul comfort amidst this awful mess our society has created,” said Jan.
You already have 11 albums under your belt. How much time and preparation went into your newest album, ‘Time Bomb’?
Jan James: Working on this album has really been a joy but at the same time a long, long, long road from start to finish. The songs were pretty much ready to record in the late Spring of 2021. I had already bored most of my friends talking about this song or that song and how excited I was and how much I was loving it. I mean…it’s hard for most people to “get it” from a rough demo. But then of course, as we all know, life can throw you a curve when you are not expecting it. My sister’s cancer came back around the time we were starting to record. My attention was immediately diverted to her while she started her treatment. There were things to be organized and worried about. I found it difficult to give my emotions to my music during that time. My sister ended her life journey January 1st of 2022. It took some time for me to get back into the swing of recordings. I felt as though the earth had shifted. My heart took some time to heal. But then slowly I started to feel steady and got back into the studio. It sure was a time of uncertainty. I didn’t know how I would feel about the songs once I got back into everything. Turns out the life experience grew into the songs as I started to record. Craig Calvert had worked hard at getting the foundation tracks ready so by the time I started to sing I knew what I needed to do. I so love the process of bringing these songs to life. Getting the phrasing just right to deliver the melody and meaning to the ear at the same time. I LOVE getting that right.
Where was the album recorded? Would you like to share some further words about the writing and recording process? What about production?
All tracking was done in our studio here at Chase Mansion. No, not really a mansion just feels like one to us. It has really been a convenience for Craig and I to have our own studio. You can track anytime you like all on our own. It makes recording a very personal experience and I truly like it that way. Craig really has the starring role in the production of ‘Time Bomb’. He took a deep dive into the tech side of managing the studio through all of the tracking and mixing. It was not easy. He is a guitar player after all. Oh, and speaking of guitar playing he blew my mind on ‘Always the Blues’. We almost cut that song. It didn’t seem to have the “it factor” so one night just before mixing I said “why don’t you just put some more guitar on it.” The next morning I put the headphones on and listened to what he had done…OMG! I was in tears. It was perfect. Hope you all agree. (listen loud) So much music on this album. I love the ear candy he inserted throughout the record. I hope you can find it.
What was the overall vision for ‘Time Bomb’?
The overall vision for ‘Time Bomb’ came slowly. I was super excited to get the music Craig had created during our writing process. There were lots of soul and Motown influences along with the blues. The melodies I started writing included parts of my voice that haven’t been used and I was really digging the freedom to come up with the hooks. I use phrases that I collect in my notebook when I write. The words “Time Bomb” had been jotted down at some point and when I finally connected those words to the melody and meaning it clicked. It took some time to make this song the title of the collection but when it made sense to me I pushed it. Not everyone thought it was a good idea but really…with the crazy world we live in and the crazy way we all can feel. I think I nailed it with that title.
Tell us about your upbringing, where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
I grew up in the small town of Portland, Michigan. We lived a few miles out of town in the country down by the river near my Grandma’s farmland. I spent a LOT of time outdoors, riding horses, running around in the corn fields and working in the garden. I wouldn’t say my life was all sunshine and rainbows. I did have my share of set-backs and like most people you find ways to forgive and keep yourself moving forward. That I did.
When did you first get interested in blues?
I would say my interest in blues started while listening to the country albums my mom loved to play. She was really into Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride and Ernst Tubb. In fact, my very first concert was Ernst Tubb and Crystal Gayle. Country is blues and blues is country and both are rock ‘n’ roll. I love mixing it all together. Makes my life more interesting.
You learned your first guitar licks from a Tennessean named Catfish. Who was he?
When I had the opportunity to learn how to play guitar from my fishing friend we called “Catfish” (btw, he also taught me how to bait a jugline, a useful skill, I took it and fell in love with making music. Our family had a summer side business renting camping spots to fishermen. We had a bait shop and a small restaurant/store. That is where I met Catfish. He would give us impromptu performances of his music. It was an up close and personal education. I loved watching him sing and play guitar.
How did you first meet Craig Calvert?
Craig and I were introduced at a house party that his band The Fix was throwing. It was a really, crazy party. I think a couch caught on fire at least that is how I remembered it. Anyway, I was working at a cafeteria on campus that his bass player, Mike Achtenberg, worked at. I had a real crush on Mike so I went to some of their shows. WOW!!! They were just fantastic. If you are into punk rock look them up on Touch and Go Records. STILL amazing. The energy blew me away. I was intrigued. Shortly after we met, The Fix broke up. So, I grabbed Craig and said “Let’s join this country rock-a-billy band called The Flying Tigers. That band was quite the adventure and during that time we fell in love. We had a real connection on stage and off. It was 1984. Fast forward to today…still in love.
How do you remember the time before recording your first album in 1992, Last Train? It must have been exciting to finally have your music recorded?
By that time, Craig and I had been deep into the music business. UGH. It was really just a terrible experience. Just when you thought you had made a HUGE step forward and a record label “GOD” was going to offer you a deal…everything came crashing down and for whatever reason, it didn’t happen. It was devastating time after time. I learned that the business side of music was not the side I wanted to be on. They are NOT NICE people. Oh…and you know who you are. But…then one fine day after releasing a demo version of the album ‘Last Train’ with the help of our great friend Steve Shafer who produced it for us, I got a call from a guy who sounded pretty strange on the phone. He said, “Yan Yames….this is Yan Vanderlinden from Provogue in Holland.” I was like…Yan? He offered to license the ‘Last Train’ album which gave us complete freedom to add songs and do whatever we wanted. It was a really wonderful partnership and introduced us to the world. Mr. V. was a real music fan and knew how to promote our records which is what really matters. We released three more with him at the helm.
You played with some really big names from the scene, would you like to share what are a few highlights?
I’d have to say that meeting and hanging out with B.B. King was my all time favorite experience. He had such a giant soul. So warm and kind. Craig and I just popped into his dressing room to say hello…not wanting to bother him. He said “son, where are you going? Have a seat” and we laughed and talked for at least an hour. So amazing. We played with Jeff Beck at the Harley 100th anniversary. Craig likes to think he saved Jeff’s life because he diverted a tour bus from driving in the direction where Jeff was laying out in the grass. I’m not sure Jeff was in danger at the time but Craig is convinced. Another very memorable experience was when we played with Koko Taylor. She called me up on stage. I was in shock! You can tell from the video that Craig took of us singing together that I was about to faint. She was the real deal and so generous. I will never forget that night. (BTW that video is out there)
What are some of the most important musicians that influenced your own style and what in particular did they employ in their playing that you liked?
I went through a period in the beginning of my musical career where I couldn’t stop playing Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix (‘Live at Monterey’), Patti Smith and Lou Reed. I know crazy combo, but I had a record player that would not turn off, so it continued to play the same record all thru the night. I absorbed the music while sleeping. At least that’s what I think happened. The Rolling Stones are another huge influence for Craig and me. On our first Euro tour we brought a 9-piece band. We really thought we were the Stones. But of course, our fantasy did not have the budget to continue with that madness. I will say if you ever get the chance to tour with a 9-piece band through Europe take it! My hope would be to find a budget to take this band on the road to play ‘Time Bomb’. If anyone wants to chip-in please find me. You can come along.
What are some future plans?
Ok, so future…I guess we need to start working on the next album, right? It’s funny how the industry works. So many musicians struggled to get by during COVID and after everything, lifted, the message was “Do you have a new album? Can’t book you until you have that new album.” Doesn’t matter if you are just getting by, you have to figure out how to make a new record. Mind you, our last record ‘Justify’ dropped March 6th of 2020. I know, I know everyone has a sob story about COVID. We survived and I am so very grateful. I am so pleased with the ‘Time Bomb’ album. I definitely want to savor what we have accomplished. I hope to tour to support the album as soon as we can arrange it.
Let’s end this interview with some of your favourite albums. Have you found something new lately you would like to recommend to our readers?
You know, I LOVE really, good singers no matter what the genre. I am always listening and finding little gems. Karol G. is amazing. I am in LOVE with Silk Sonic’s records. The retro production on this makes me so happy. Whenever you are feeling low just listen to William DeVaughn ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’. Pretty much sums it up.
Thank you for taking your time. Last word is yours.
Be kind.
Klemen Breznikar
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