JAMES OLIVER BAND + JIMMY REGAL AND THE ROYALS + EDDIE SMITH AND THE 507
James Oliver has already rubbed shoulders with many of the greats of the guitar firmament. Now, having recorded three vital, very contemporary albums with his band Glas, he is preparing to write a new chapter of not only his career but also Welsh music history.
His progress since forming Glas in early 2012 has been steady rather than spectacular, playing every gig in the Valleys before expanding horizons beyond. See him on stage, though, and spectacular is very much the word. Little wonder the late, great Deke Leonard of Man/Iceberg fame was moved to say that ‘Speaking as a guitarist, James Oliver scares the hell out of me.’ Taff Williams and Tweke Lewis, who have played with him, were similarly impressed.
Oliver’s propulsive guitar won Glas an invitation to play the prestigious Monaghan Blues Festival in Ireland – the first Welsh act to do so – while other festivals at Tenby and Colne soon followed. His rootsy, Fender-fuelled music has been heard supporting the likes of Albert Lee . Bill Kirchen,and, only this year, Played London’s legendary 100 Club. Former Love Sculpture/Dave Edmunds bassist John David has worked with Jamesin the studio, further enhancing a more than respectable CV.
As music business veterans will tell you, success is 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration. As he enters the next stage of his career, James Oliver has a track record that shows he will not allow an ounce of his talents to be wasted. And with new musicians to interact with, chances are the music in store will exhibit hitherto unheard dimensions to delight his growing army of fans. Blues, rock a billy, rock and country…it’s all here in one explosive pickin’ package.