JJ THAMES & THE LUCA GIORDANO BAND [USA/IT]

In the organizer's words:

Dubbed the "Future of the Blues" by legendary "Misty Blue" artist Dorothy Moore and dubbed the "Blues Trailblazer" by Living Blues Magazine, JJ Thames is an award-winning, jazz and classical-trained frontwoman and entertainer, who leads the leave-it-all-on-the-stage frontwoman and entertainer, bringing the mesmerizing je ne sais quoi star quality of Tina Turner, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Koko Taylor, and Ruth Brown all in a raspy, often wistful, always powerful and passionate voice.

Affectionately called "Hurricane Thames" by musicians who have supported her on tour; JJ's voice and stage presence is one that often evokes goosebumps, tears, laughter, encores, and standing ovations - commanding the attention of any room - be it a Hole in the Wall Mississippi juke joint with a 100 person capacity or a 20,000 seat stadium (both tested and proven). She blows through town with her electrifying she-woman blues energy, leaving lifelong fans ecstatic to return year after year to family reunions with her for a call-and-response live experience peppered with her hilarious anecdotes and authentic messages of hope, positivity, love and encouragement.

JJ hails from Mississippi and Detroit and has been taught the ropes by some of the best including Bobby Blue Bland, BB King, Denise LaSalle, Peggy Scott Adams and Marvin Sease. She's certainly no stranger to the road, having toured since the age of 18, traveled to 38 different countries (and counting) and at 40, has certainly come into her own.

Among the deeply southern juke joint styles and waves of gospel that pulse through JJ's music, there's a mix of elemental hip-hop, energetic 90s and southern rock and blues guitar licks, grooving vintage soul melodies and a touch of roots reggae woven through the foundation, diversifying her live show in a way that's unexpected and pleasantly explosive for musical palates of all ages and cultures.

Ms. Thames masterfully draws you in to experience her transparent, often humorous and honest musical storytelling with her deeply personal lyrics, soulful moans and deep bellied roars; and skillfully controlled scats with perfectly timed pauses, swells and whispers. She is a visual artist, effortlessly using her voice to paint on the canvas of the listener's heart. When you hear and see her become a superstar, you are amazed.

After a very successful European tour in November 2023, it was already clear that JJ Thames would be back in 2024 [and 2025].

Here are some quotes:

"JJ Thames is the future of the blues" - Dorothy Moore - "Misty Blue" Legendary artist

"'Relentless energy' might be an appropriate way to describe what Thames presents to her audience from the bandstand. Regardless of where or when she plays, the mighty Thames will give every ounce of her blood, sweat and tears to ensure her audience is fully engaged. Clearly, she was born with a desire to bring it every night..." - Blues Blast Magazine

"She puts a positive spin and contemporary twist on the blues while paying great respect to the female blues pioneers. You can hear the echoes of Chess, Bluebird and Stax in her blues-soul repertoire.... Her voice can both inspire and heal you." - Elmore Magazine

"If you're looking for that 'surprising new singer' you've discovered who 'has the voice to back it all up', shock yourself [with Jj Thames]. She's not very well known now, but I doubt it will stay that way for long. She leaves you wanting to hear her more!" - No Depression Magazine

Jj Thames / Vocals
Luca Giordano / guitar + vocals
Peewee Durante / Keys
Walter Monini / Bass
Enrico Cecconi / drums