Page 68 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2014

Author’s drum/percussion set made out of a vintage Skyway suitcase
Photo by Nathan James
axe handle that was perfect for a fretless diddley bow-type of slide
guitar, washboard instrument. I put it together and managed to fit
three strings on it. I call it the “Tri-Tar” and it’s the real show-stopper
at my gigs. It fits perfect with my solo act where I also play foot
percussion on a homemade drum set I made out of a vintage Skyway
suitcase. I am proud to be part of this roots American tradition and
have done my homework in the history of the genre, while still
creating my own style.

Nathan James is an internationally known professional roots and
blues artist based out of Oceanside, California. He makes his living
performing in the States and in Europe as a solo act and with his
band, the Rhythm Scratchers. He has also been guitarist for the
James Harman Band since the age of 19. In 2007 he and Ben
Hernandez won first place at the IBC solo duo category. His latest
album, What You Make of It, is on the Delta Groove Recording label
and features all his washboard guitars throughout. Nathan, now 35,
has been a full-time performing musician since the age of 18.
www.nathandjames.com.

The author performing on his handmade TriTar
Photo by Peggy DeRose/All Rights Reserved

66 Blues Festival Guide 2014