Album Notes

On 'Make a Change Sometime'the first official duo album by Nathan James & Ben Hernandez, these two young & talented artists bring forward a fresh and knowledgable showcase of an American roots music known as country blues. Within the 16 cuts filled with both traditional and original songs, they cover all the styles including: delta, piedmont, gospel, string band, and jug band country blues. As an extension of the variety of instruments palyed in their live show, the album features the added textures of piano by Gene Taylor, fiddle by Sara Watkins, and Vocals and harp by James Harman, on selected cuts. The result is a vast change in dynamics, and moods throughout the album that keeps the listener interested, and on their toes. Nathan James fully utilizes to great advantage the use of several different sounding guitars to create different tones, and timbres; as well as many different approaches to playing them to compliment each songs feel. Also listeners will keep their feet moving to the beat of Jame's foot percussion played on most of the cuts. Ben Hernandez lends his talents on several different unique instruments including: harmonica, jazz kazoo, spoons, jug and washtub bass. With vocals and songwriting equally split between James & Hernandez, 'Make a Change Sometime' is sure to make a mark as a well rounded, timeless classic album for this genre.
With various tools of the trade; during a live show an audience may not know what to expect. During one song, James may be laying down a hypnotic delta rhythm on a National resonator slide guitar, stomping out his foot in time on his percussion board; while Hernandez is singing like a Sunday morning baptist preacher, and chugging a trian whistle sound on his harmonica. A next song could be James creating a ragtime jump on guitar as Hernandez coaxes a jazzy melody on the Kazoo, or bassline on the jug or the washtub bass; as the two sing a timeless song in harmony. Meanwhile all of this never failing to grab anyones attention, and forces smiles, applause, and even dancing feet to all lucky enough to experience. Night after night, this is how Nathan James & Ben Hernandez carve out a living for themselves.

Ben Hernandez (harmonica, vocals, kazoo, jug, washtub bass, spoons) is a naturally gifted vocalist/ harmonica player who is quickly gaining praise from southern California's most critical blues aficionados, and blues veterans. Now still in his twenties; Hernandez has come up singing since before he can remember. During which, he has led his own bands including Brickyard Jones, and the Double Fives, with whom he has performed with all over the state of California. His musical influences include such legends as: Sonny Terry, Peg Leg Sam, Sonny Boy Williamson #1, Hammie Nixon, and Noah Lewis, to name a few.

Nathan James (guitar, vocals, foot percussion, harmonica) has become a well recognized blues guitarist in Southern California, as the guitarist for the internationally known James Harman Band. During his last five or so years with the band, James has honed his chops with seasoned veteran Harman, touring and recording. Also still in his twenties, James has released a solo record 'This Road is Mine', with guest performances by James Harman, and Ben Hernandez; on the Pacific Blues Recording Company label. James's primary influences include such legends as: Brownie Mcgee, Big Bill Broonzy, Tampa Red, and Blind Boy Fuller.