Artist Roster |
SONS OF ETTA - A tribute to Etta James
featuring Thelma Jones and Jimmy Z
Official Website : | http://sonsofetta.com/ |
YouTube: |
http://www.youtube.com/user/sonsofetta?ob=0&feature=results_main |
Territory of Representation
Exclusive representation in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia
Biography
Etta James’s sons Donto and Sametto were the drummer and bass player in their mother’s Roots Band. They’ve toured and recorded with their legendary mother for almost two decades. However, in 2009, because of her deteriorating health, Etta James was forced to give up touring. Now, 2 years later, she’s very proud to announce that her two boys have decided to keep their mother’s impressive legacy alive by forming a new band and go back on the road, under the guidance of their former Roots Band colleague Jimmy Z, and with the one and only Thelma Jones as special guest vocalist.
Line-up
THELMA JONES - vocals
Thelma Jones has had a long and illustrious recording career. She began singing while still a child with the family gospel recording group, The McDaniel Singers. 'Little David Play On Your Harp' and 'God Put A Rainbow In The Sky' were two recordings released at that time featuring Thelma as lead singer. She later moved to R&B when she recorded the original version of 'The House That Jack Built', along with 'Mr. Fix It', 'Souvenirs Of A Heartbreak' and 'Oh, Here Come The Heartbreak' for Barry Records. Her following release was 'Salty Tears,' a great tearful ballad that put Thelma on map. Her self-titled album 'Thelma Jones' was originally recorded for Columbia in 1978 and was re-mastered and re-released in 2005. In 1987 Barry Records released the single 'Never Leave Me.' She has followed up with several more recordings, the last being the critically acclaimed CD 'Law Of Old' in 2002. As a live performer, Thelma has captivated audiences the world over with her electrifying vocal stylings. She is equally comfortable singing Gospel, Blues, Soul/R&B or Jazz. "It's the song that counts," says Thelma, "a good song is a good song in any genre."
JIMMY Z – harmonica/saxophone & vocals
There's a reason legendary blues Diva Etta James calls Jimmy Z her "Hootchie Cootchie Man" and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics calls him "the best harmonica player in the world": Jimmy attracts attention! He caught the attention of Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, the Eurythmics, Jaguares – all of whom he recorded and toured with. He also caught the attention of Dr. Dre, Eric Burdon, Carol King, Barry White, Ziggy Marley, Yes, Bon Jovi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Slash's Snakepit, Macy Gray, John Mayer, Pink, Gladys Knight, Les McCann and countless others who sought out Jimmy Z 's blazing harmonica and soulful saxophone to spice up their recordings. Since the year 2000, he has toured extensively with Etta James as well as the Mexican rock band Jaguares, while also fronting his own blues rock band, the ZTribe.
DONTO JAMES – drums & vocals
Donto has played drums with Etta James’ Roots Band for over 15 years. He began drumming at an early age. He practiced playing to his mother’s songs on his own. His first gig was at the Monterey Blues Festival in the 1980’s, when the Roots Band’s regular drummer called in sick. Etta told the very surprised band that Donto was going to replace him. He wowed the crowd.He has also won two Grammy awards and has toured with soul & gospel singer Otis Clay.
SAMETTO JAMES – bass & vocals
Two-time Grammy award winning bassist and producer, Sametto began playing bass when he was 9 years old. His early influences were Motown legend Jamie Jamerson, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins & Jaco Pastorius, , He has been with Etta James’ Roots Band for over 12 years.
MO BEEKS – keyboards & vocals
Mo Beeks is an extraordinary vocalist and keyboardist whose talents are a major force in the music industry. Originally from Chicago IL., he made the transition to Los Angeles Ca. in the mid 70's. He credits being influenced by Jimmy Smith, Ahmad Jamal, George Duke and Billy Preston. His playing style however, is close to that of organist Odell Brown of the early Chicago based jazz group "Odell Brown and The Organizers", of which he was once a former student, but with more of a blues / gospel feel. Mo's career has taken him nationwide and abroad for many years. He has graced the stages with some of the most highly respected entertainers and musicians in the music business. Some notable icons include: Chaka Khan, B.B. King, Tyrone Davis, Otis Clay, Himalaya, The Undisputed Truth, Jonny Lang, Bobby Rush, James Gadson, and a host of others just to name a few.
BR MILLON – guitar & vocals
New Orleans born and raised in Los Angles, BR has been playing guitar most of his life, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Albert & BB King. He has played with many blues, soul, R & B and hip-hop artists including Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Ice Cube, and Zac Harmon.
JOHN VANDENBERG - trumpet
Known to the music-loving community as Johnny V, John Vandenberg has been hittin' the notes and playin' the riffs for more than 25 years in Southern CA's hottest clubs and concert halls with the likes of Bill Medley, Otis Brown, Slash, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Percy Sledge, Eric Clapton, Ernie Watts, The Daddy O's, Blowin' Smoke, Drifters, Coasters, Chevy Chase, Vic ”The Brick” Jacobs, Chuck Morris and Luther Hughes. Other musical accomplishments include: Musical Director for Otis Brown (formerly of The Drifters), TV commercial for Zima (Adolph Coors Corp.), solo performance on Film soundtrack ("Saturday Night Special"), and TV's "Guiding Light" as well as Playboy TV. Johnny can also be heard in MATTEL toys BARBIE “My Size Throne” (Xmas 09). In the style of Clifford Brown, Duke Ellington and Fats Navarro, Johnny V’s sound explores the rich heritage of classic jazz mixed with the smooth textures of Rhythm & Blues, all combined with a sensitivity for today's audience.
