Jan James

Your new album ‘Time Bomb’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

This album started taking shape in the Spring of 2021. The grooves that Craig created for me to work with were all firmly in the “soul/blues” category. These were sounds he grew up with on the south side of Chicago. I loved the licks and started to form the melodies based on the “swing” in those grooves.

Also, lots of the inspiration coming from Motown. We did not “make a plan” per se. We let the songs come forward as they wanted. It’s part of the magic of creating music. When a song comes together it’s like a little miracle…at least that is what I like to think. The variety of life that was happening during the time we wrote this album was a big contributor as well. Soon after we started writing, my sister’s cancer came back so there was a pause while we navigated through her illness.

That experience gave me the immediacy of performing songs like “Let Love Surround You” and “Love is the Answer”. I feel like each song is a chapter in the book we wrote about those couple of years. “Desperate Times” and “Blood On Your Hands” are the response to the chaos and vitriol we had to live through with the political nightmare we endured.

“Swingin In The Sweet Sunshine” and “Sometimes Love’s Like That” are there to lighten the mood and give us all something to smile about. We all really need that in this “Time Bomb” of a world. Hope you love it.

You have a creative partnership with Craig Calvert with this album. How did the two of you meet and what would you say is the reason/s that you both work so well together?

History is helpful and we have a lot of it. We met while still in college. I was trying to figure out how to start performing so I hung around some other bands. Craig’s band “The Fix” was super exciting.

They were a power punk band (first signed by Touch and Go Records—btw their records are still very collectable). When I came along, they were in-the-midst-of breaking up. So, I grabbed Craig and we joined a Country Rock-a-billy band called “The Flying Tigers” Voilà!

The performances began. They were electric. We had great chemistry and one thing led to another until we could only be together. And here we are. All of that history including an 80’s hair band called Jewel Fetish, brings out the best in us. We really love working together. I hope you can hear that in the music we create.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I was born in a small house in Portland, Michigan. Portland was a pretty small town back in those days, so it was a “Quiet” place to live. Actually, we lived in the country outside of Portland, down by the river…so we can add the word “Rural”. Most people in the community really do care about each other so it was a “Kind” place to be.

I was exposed to lots of farm life so we should also mention “Natural” to our description. Everyone had a job to do so the last word would be “Productive”. The town has grown a lot since my days. I still am very proud of my country roots. It’s keeps me grounded in a way that “city dwellers” will never understand. 

How do you look after your voice?

My voice has been good to me, so I do my best to make sure it has the proper rest and attention. Salt rinses are important to keep my vocal cords happy. I like to use steam when I am on the road but I really don’t worry about it too much. When you use the proper form and support, you can keep the vibration going for a long time.

Which tracks on the album hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Well…clearly, the first track “Swingin In the Sweet Sunshine” is the “joie de vivre” song. I loved the easy simplicity of the melody. When Brian threw down the saxophone part it was just perfect! It’s the type of feeling I hope we can all share. The world has been through so much lately. It’s good to relax into a song that gives such a snug hug.

b) So, I think it’s easy to hear the anger in the track “Blood On Your Hands”. I really did not set out to include a song about the 2021 Capital riots but dang it…I did say exactly what needed to be said. The lyrics for this song wrote themselves.

c) “Desperate Times” is the most reflective I would say. I was feeling the weight of the world in this song. We all need to “open the window and let some air in”.

Do you have any plans to support the release with any live shows especially in the UK and European markets?

We super excited to have the opportunity to tour to support this record. There are a few dates in May already on the calendar for Norway, but I am hoping there will be a swing through the UK, Holland and maybe Germany in the Spring. It really depends on the reaction and desire of the booking ‘powers that be’.

I would truly love to sing these songs to you all in person. Let’s cross our fingers and send a message out to the “booking” Universe that concert offers will be given soon!! I am ready. Meanwhile you can come to Chicago. I would be happy to sing to you here.

Was ‘Time Bomb’ a difficult album to write?

Actually, the songs on this album came quite naturally. We had a bit of struggle trying to figure out which songs to leave out. I think we had 16 songs in total as we got near the end. I feel like we really accomplished something with this collection of tunes. I was hoping to connect with listeners in a meaningful way and I believe we have done that. I hope you will all listen long and look for the “ear candy” we included. It’s the best part.

What was the inspiration/story behind the track “Always The Blues”?

Ah…this track is one of those that almost did not make it. It was sounding a bit flat and I wasn’t really sure what is was all about…then Craig added some really raucous wah-wah guitar licks that really brought out the true meaning. It’s grit and intensity felt like the sound track to my life.

I know that many can relate to feeling the lyric: “Times like these I want to run and hide- Bad things happen need to pick a side – Some people say you’ve got to pay your dues – Don’t look now cause it’s always the Blues”. I feel like I’ve been paying my dues my whole life. “Don’t It Feel Good” to “Growl” out this song about it. Oh, and Btw… “Don’t It Feel Good” is one of my favs to perform.

You have performed at Chicago’s Royal George Theater in the starring role of Janis Joplin in the play “Love, Janis” based on Janis’ letters and songs. How did that opportunity arise and do you have a particular favourite Janis Joplin song?

It was actually a surprise when I heard about the opportunity. One of my friends in the business called and said…Hey, you need to audition for this part right away, they are almost finished casting for the play. WHA? I had to catch a ride to the theater and showed up “under” prepared. I really had not auditioned for a play before so I didn’t know to bring a “head” shot???

My ride had to run back to my apartment to grab a photo. yikes…I was so nervous. I went into the audition and sang a couple of verses of “Me and Bobby McGee”. The director looked a bit startled and said “ah yes… you have the part”.

What a crazy time that was. It was a really large stage with an amazing band. It was crazy to be suited up in feathers like Janis and singing her songs. I have always been a huge fan but really avoided her songs since I wanted to make sure I was standing on my own two feet creatively.

(Early on in my career, someone I looked up to commented that I was giving a good Joplin impression. Yikes… that set me back and I decided not to perform her songs.) Well, not until I was actually wearing her shoes anyway. It was quite an education. She was a soprano first of all, so that took some getting used to. I think my favourite song is “Cry Baby”. Such a dramatic, soulful, painful performance. She gave it all in this recording. I do still perform “Me and Bobby” and “Mercedes Benz”. Hope we can sing it together someday soon.

What makes Jan James happy and what makes you unhappy?

Being in nature makes me happy. Just listening to the leaves in the wind can lift my spirits. I feel the vibration of the Universe when I am walking in the woods with my friends. Taking time out for adventures on the beach also gives me joy.

Now, unhappy…hmmmm? I would have to say hands down…negative hateful politics. We really need to rise above the divisiveness. “Love Is the Answer”.

Photo Credit: Chris Jacobs

Jan James’ new album ‘Time Bomb’ is out now. For more information visit: https://www.janjames.com/