James Gang

James Gang Newborn

The James Gang are widely regarded as the platform where Eagles guitarist/vocalist Joe Walsh first came to prominence, and also where his replacement, Tommy Bolin made a brief home before finding fame with Deep Purple. Whilst many see the James Gang as a foot-note in the history of these two guitar giants, to dismiss the band is to deny oneself the opportunity to savour their strong repertoire and appreciate one of America’s finest exponents when the Blues first began to toughen-up and mature into Hard Rock. The James Gang’s origins go back as far as 1966 where the band first formed in Cleveland, Ohio. Walsh made his mark with the Gang through the albums ‘Yer’ Album’ (‘69), ‘James Gang Rides Again (‘70), ‘Thirds’ (‘71) and ‘James Gang Live In Concert’ (also, ‘71). But he left in late ‘71 to go solo. Bolin’s tenure came later and lasted for two albums, ‘Bang’ (‘73) and ‘Miami’ (‘74). However, he quit soon after the release of ‘Miami’ to join Deep Purple. The one constant during all this time was drummer/keyboardist Jim Fox, and to a slightly lesser extent Dale Peters (bass/vocals) who joined the Gang from ’69. Both musicians bore witness to a revolving door of members who aided the band during its lifetime of nine studio albums and one live recording. First released in May ’75 and depicting cover art from an original work by the Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali, ‘Newborn’ was the James Gang’s penultimate studio album. Joining Fox and Peters was guitarist Richard Shack and vocalist Bubba Keith. Shack had played with both Fox and Peters in a pre-James Gang band in Ohio, whilst vocalist Keith was Shack’s band-mate in their previous band, Uncle Tom. Re-mastered edition of the James Gang’s penultimate studio album. Produced by the legendary Tom Dowd (The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa). 12 page booklet with story of the album sleeve-note by Malcolm Dome from brand new interview with original drummer & keyboardist, Jim Fox.