You guys asked for it, so here it is. More on the guitarist James Pitts. James Pitts, a name synonymous blues, is about to reemerge onto the music scene, proving once again that he is a Full-Service Blues show. Born into a musical family in 1976 in Salem, Massachusetts, Pitts' journey into the blues was nurtured by his father, a guitarist, and his uncle, a Berklee graduate. Influenced by a diverse range of artists from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Joe Satriani, Pitts has crafted a style that blends rock, blues, jazz, and even classical into his unique sound.
GigTime Magazine recognizes him as one of the Blues-Rock elites on Electric Guitar, a title well-deserved considering his extensive achievements and contributions to the genre. Having performed for more than half his life, Pitts has not only met but shared the stage with blues legends and influential artists like Pat Travers, Chris Duarte, Eric Gales, and many others.
Pitts' accolades speak volumes about his musical prowess. Notable achievements include winning the JMC-Battle Of The Blues Guitar Challenge in 2013, Blues Tone Magazine Awards for Best Instrumentalist - Guitar and Best Emerging Artist in 2016, and the 2019 Blues Tone Award for Blues Rock Artist Of The Year. He's been recognized by GigTime Magazine as the Number 3 Best Blues Rock Guitarist in 2020 and voted among the top 50 best guitarists in 2021.
Forced to step away from performing in 2021 due to a back injury, Pitts will be making his triumphant return in 2024, ready to captivate audiences once again. His live shows are an explosive amalgamation of bolt-action groove, fiery guitar action, and an expression of massive talent. Whether performing his original compositions or paying homage to blues classics, James Pitts delivers an unforgettable experience that resonates with the soul.
But let's not just take the accolades at face value; let's delve into the firsthand experiences of witnessing a James Pitts live show. At DC's Tavern in Hooksett, New Hampshire, the trio featuring James Pitts on guitar and vocals, Mike Berkowitz on bass, and Garrett Cameron on drums, created an immersive journey into the heart of blues power. Pitts' assertive vocals and powerhouse guitar work, complemented by the dynamic rhythm section, left the audience captivated and yearning for more.
The performance showcased not only Pitts' mastery of blues classics but also his original compositions like "Misery" and "Groove Thing." The interaction between Pitts and the audience added a lively dimension to the show, turning it into a two-way celebration of blues music.
Another memorable night unfolded at Salt City Brewing Company in Hutchinson, Kansas, where Pitts opened for Chris Duarte. Displaying his versatility, Pitts seamlessly moved from laid-back renditions like "Sissy Strut" to a psychedelic exploration, creating an otherworldly soundscape. Original compositions like "Come To Play The Blues" and renditions of classics like "The Thrill Is Gone" showcased Pitts' ability to connect with the audience on a profound level.
The night reached its climax with a rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," where Pitts unleashed his guitar prowess with whammy bar theatrics and dynamic performance, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
In both instances, James Pitts proved that his live shows are not just musical events; they are immersive journeys into the heart and soul of blues. Whether at DC's Tavern or Salt City Brewing Company, Pitts created an atmosphere where the blues came alive, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to be present.
As James Pitts returns to the stage, healed and ready to perform, blues enthusiasts can anticipate nothing short of a blues spectacle that transcends the ordinary. His triumphant return is not just a comeback; it's a resurgence of blues power, and James Pitts is indeed a force to be reckoned with.
(Note: We've recently come across James debut album: Come to Play the Blues. We'' be doing a review on it soon.)