James has played over 2000 shows since the release of his first album “Dark Angel” in 2006 including many festival appearances. 3 X Blues on Broadbeach, Headline act in 2008), 2 X Thredbo Blues Festival, Headline act in 2009/17), Blues at Bridgetown), 3 X Yass Heritage Festival) 2 X Canberra Festival) The Australian Blues Music Festival), The Gympie Muster 2008) Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival (NZ), Headline act in 2008), 3 X Sydney Blues & Roots Festival, Headline act in 2014), The Great Southern Blues Festival Narooma 2009).
When James is not playing the Blues in his own band he plays guitar and tours with Angry Anderson on a regular basis and has also played for Kate DeAraugo, Swanee, and many others.
James Southwell
“Walkin’ Now” is James new single and it was released by MGM on Friday 15th Jan 2016.
James Southwell was a finalist in the 2014 & 2015 Memphis Blues Challenge.*
James Southwell commands the stage like few others, with powering riffs and vocals that bite. James and his incredible band are truly world class and would not be out of place on any stage anywhere. James is not afraid to push his music past all previously existing boundaries and well past what most musicians consider the limits of what is safe. His music comes from a deep love of the blues with heavy inspirational funk and rock & roll influences. This band will capture your attention and you will be totally engrossed as James projects himself off the stage and through you with his music.
Charlie Wooton
Charlie Wooton was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was exposed to all aspects of music, from the class room to the La Las (The Dance) in the backwoods and in the streets of New Orleans. Studying Jazz and Classical during the day then playing Funk and Zydeco gigs at night, Charlie got a very diverse musical education. His first touring gig was with Zydeco icon Chubby Carrier, where Charlie claims he learned how to put on a show and take care of business.
At 20 years of age Charlie moved to Los Angeles and worked at 3rd Encore Studios for 3 years, then made his way to Atlanta where he formed the band Zydefunk, which featured the likes of Oliver Wood, Willie Green, Alvin Ford Jr., Count M’Butu and Marcus James Henderson. Needing to get back to his roots, Charlie moved back to Louisiana and since has played with the best of New Orleans: Bonerama, Sonny Landreth, Dr John, Jason Ricci, Zigaboo, Johnny Vidacovich, Cyril Neville, Chief Monk Boudreaux, New Orleans Suspects, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and many more. He toured with Royal Southern Brotherhood for 4 years and recorded 4 CDs, as a bassist and a writer. Recently, Charlie formed a new project, ZABADODAT, with world-renowned percussionist Rafael Pereira and Hip Hop recording guitarist Daniel Groover, featuring the amazing Laura Reed!
Recently Charlie has been touring with the New Orleans Suspects, so watch out for when they come to your home town!
He has been written up in numerous music publications, nationally and internationally. Twice in Bass Player Magazine, but most recently his self-proclaimed biggest accomplishment Charlie was Featured in Bass Player Brasil for the release of ZabaDuo, with Rafael Pereira.
In 2016 Charlie was nominated for “Instrument Bass in the Blues Music Awards for The Blues Foundation.
On top of being an entertaining band leader and a rock, solid side man, Charlie is an accomplished producer. Something he Loves to do as much as play Bass, making peoples musical dreams come into fruition. This year alone he produced three CD’s at his favorite studio in Maurice Louisiana, DOCKSIDE Studios, including Australian guitar “Slinger” James Southwell’s new album, “The Dockside Sessions” (Where The Wind Blows)
Band:
– James Southwell/Guitars & Vocals,
– Charlie Wooton/Bass & Backing Vocals,
– Mark Kennedy/Drums
– Dylan Harding/Percussion
– Kate DeAraugo/Backing Vocals.
James Southwell, new single “Walkin’ Now”
JAMES SOUTHWELL BAND featuring CHARLIE WOOTON, 2016 Thredbo Blues Festival.