Review: Brian James and the Great Unknown — ‘Journey of a Thousand Miles’

December 19, 2019December 19, 2019 Rick Bowen

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Northwest singer songwriter Brian James took the Chinese proverb to heart, first by leaving behind the small town of his birth and second by forming a band of like-minded fellows in Seattle to craft his third studio album, Journey of a Thousand Miles. The big man from Montesano has a voice that’s equal parts light and dark and the strong song writing skills of a lyrical troubadour in training. His eight song EP released in December 2019, is also equal parts intimate and extroverted. James uses his strong vocal skills and guitar playing to deliver a set of easily accessible pop driven Neo Soul. Saxophonist Tyler Rogers plays the perfect foil, adding gritty lead lines that spice up the funky grooves laid down by drummer Cyrus Zerbe. And a reflection of the new DYI economy of indie music, the agile Jim Barnes delivers both keys and bass, rounding out the quartet of Brian James and the Great Unknown.

The opening title track is an easily accessible anthem of self-determination over a groove that owes a debt to the Dave Matthews Band. The funk continues with a clever bit of lyricism about first world problems on “Keeping Up With The Joneses.” James demonstrates his range on the sultry poem of admiration, “Taken,” doing his best Luther Vandross. The breezy “Somebody’s Someone,” is a call to arms for us all to reach out and dare to love. James whispers in his lover’s ear on the piano driven ballad “Sanctuary.” Northwesterners will connect with his assertion of rain in the winter time that keeps us indoors. Zerbe blows out his seriously sick drumming chops on the time shifting “You Got Me Like.” The full ensemble sound comes to fruition on the dynamic track “Shame.” James propels the final track of the album, “Trying To Breath Underwater,” with his acoustic guitar and fiery vocals while the band backs him up with muscular punctuation. The strong offering should help Brian James and the Great Unknown make their mark on the northwest music scene and take those next big steps on their journey.

(Check out ‘Journey of a Thousand Miles’ via Spotify below and get more info about Brian James and the Great Unknown HERE.)

Rick Bowen

Rick grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan playing in school band, choir and show bands. While earning a BA at Western Michigan University in History and Social Science, he was a member of the Bronco marching band and jazz ensemble Gold Company. Moving to the Northwest in 1994, Rick soon landed gigs and sessions with many diverse local artists and is currently a member of the award winning Stacy Jones Band and the host of the all ages School of Jam. Rick is also an associate producer and session musician for Critical Sun Recordings, a contributing writer at Innocent Words, Seattle Examiner, No Depression, The Washington Blues Society and S.T.E.A.M magazine, and serves on the board of directors for the Washington Blues Society. Rick is endorsed by and plays THUMPER CUSTOM DRUMS. Awards: Washington Blues Society “Best of the Blues” award 2009 Best New Band –Stacy Jones Band WBS “Best of the Blues” award 2012 Best Blues Jam - Oxford Saloon Monday Night Jam 2013 & 2014 WBS Best Blues Writer award. 2014 WBS Chris Leighton Blues Drummer BB Award. Nominations: 2009 & 2013 Best Blues Drummer WBS BB awards. 2012 Best NW recording “No Need To Spell it Out –Stacy Jones Band (Rick J Bowen co producer)