Album Notes

Born in Fulton County Ohio, Shelby James Graber grew up in the rural heart of the mid west on the outskirts of Toledo. While in high school, his interest in American country, blues, and rock and roll music fueled his ambition to, “travel the country and have great adventures using music as a pretext for seeing the world”. After graduation Shelby began to travel the country collecting the stories, songs, and mishaps that shape and color his best work as a songwriter today.

After extended stays in Detroit, New Mexico, and Chicago, Shelby settled in Phoenix where he met veteran musician Mark Kopenits, himself an established songwriter and guitarist. Shortly thereafter, they formed Shelby James & the Crying Shames. Together they began to create a sound that is unique to them; merging traditional Americana themes while forging a foundation that celebrates the rich tapestry of rock and roll music. The result was Shelby James & the Crying Shames debut album, “Downs on 9th” and it quickly gained the attention of the press. “This album kicks up some dust, combining mid western rock guitar crunch with Stonesy grooves ala Exile on Main Street to form a terrific debut”, says Chris Orf of Get Out Magazine. “This debut is an expressive on, capturing both the crushed hope and cockeyed optimism of an everyman” says Serine Dominic of the Phoenix Newtimes, while the East Valley Tribune listed “Downs on 9th” in their Top 5 releases of 2005.

Following the release of their debut album, the band embarked on a successful national tour gaining fans in small venues across the country. Based in the fertile musical valley of Tempe Arizona, SJCS won the Phoenix Newtimes 2006 Best of Phoenix Showcase as Best Americana Band and remain critically acclaimed as the continue to perform throughout the Southwest and beyond.

As the Shames get ready to celebrate their 3rd anniversary together they have added Chicago native Jon Juan Donnelly on bass and Gary Smith on the drums to solidify a strong and composed rhythm section. Rocking in the new year the Shames continue to leave their mark on the Southwestern musical landscape with their self described, “sentimentally drunk” rock and roll music that draws from a diverse range of musical influences. When asked what the future holds for the band, the boys reply with a slightly drunken grin, “you know, bumper stickers, travel to Europe, and other record or two, and the really big money.” After another blow out show at their favorite Tempe music venue, you begin to wonder, “Why not?”