Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps Return With Bad at Being Good, Their Most Soulful Blues Album Yet

Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps Return With Bad at Being Good, Their Most Soulful Blues Album Yet

Release date: January 16
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​The band’s 14th studio album finds them reasserting their command of the gritty, road-tested blues that has long defined their sound rockin’ roadhouse blues steeped in soul, groove, and unmistakable authenticity.

Award-winning producers Terry Wilson and John Porter (Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’) convened a lineup of seasoned, top-tier musicians to once again push the boundaries of the band’s Texas blues roots, infusing the record with deep soul and subtle New Orleans flair. A standout moment comes on the title track, featuring the unmistakable touch of GRAMMY®-winning pianist Jon Cleary, whose contribution adds a rich, distinctive character.

At the core of the album is the long-standing lineup of Teresa James (piano, vocals), Billy Watts (guitar), Terry Wilson (bass), Darrell Leonard (trumpet), Paulie Cerra (saxophone), and Tony Braunagel (drums). Expanding the sonic palette, GRAMMY®-winning keyboardist Kevin McKendree appears on more than half the tracks, while GRAMMY® winner Jay Bellerose contributes drums on two songs. Keeping it in the family, James and Wilson’s son-in-law, Richard Millsap (John Fogerty’s touring drummer), adds percussion throughout. Session guitar ace Dane Parks brings added grit to “Trouble in Paradise,” while David P. Jackson, named the California Country Music Association’s Best Instrumentalist in 1996, lends accordion to “Anytime Is Alright.” The title track is further elevated by Jon Cleary’s piano alongside John Porter’s slide guitar, creating a truly memorable centerpiece.

Teresa James’ expansive career includes recordings with Walter Trout, Eric Burdon, Spencer Davis, Tommy Castro, Stephen Bruton, Randy Newman, LeeRoy Parnell, and Neil Diamond, among many others, as well as live performances with artists such as Marcia Ball, Levon Helm, Delbert McClinton, Lloyd Jones, and Eric Burdon & the Animals. Together with her musical and life partner Terry Wilson, James has forged a powerful creative partnership blending Wilson’s songwriting with her expressive, soulful delivery for undeniable synergy. James is also a three-time Blues Music Award nominee for Contemporary Blues Female Artist.

“Listeners will revel in this new music from Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps,” says Sallie Bengtson, President of MoMojo Records. “It’s everything fans love about this world-class unit anchored by a rock-solid rhythm section, seasoned with soul, and crowned by Teresa’s warm, dynamic vocals. Turn it up.”
James adds, “I’m incredibly excited about this album. Even after 13 previous releases, Bad at Being Good feels like our best yet. The performances, the songs, and the guest artists truly capture our roadhouse and blues roots, while also revealing the band’s soul, heart, and inspiration. I hope listeners enjoy it as much as we loved making it.”
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Tracks:
01. Love’s A Full Time Job
02. Is Anything Alright
03. I Got This Thing
04. All About The Benjamins
05. Trouble In Paradise
06. Angel On My Shoulder
07. Treat Her Like You Want Her To Treat You
08. Bad At Being Good
09. Say What You Will
10. We Came To Rock
11. Anytime Is Alright
12. Close Down The Blues Bar

Website: 
teresajames.com

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