James Blaque
Gig Seeker Pro

James Blaque

Band R&B

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Cleveland singer James Blaque carves a soulful identity"

For Cleveland native James Penn, the transformation from musician to new stage persona James Blaque has been a seamless evolution. "I've been performing since I was 15 years old," said Penn, a 1994 John Marshall High School graduate. "I was playing a lot overseas, in Germany and Italy, as part of a group, and some on my own. Then I began working with [Cleveland soul-R&B singer] Conya Doss. I started out as a background singer, then bassist and music director, and now I'm producing her projects. Currently, I'm going into my own artistry. For my debut, 'H.i.s.s.t.o.r.y,' I wrote and produced 90 percent of the record. It's a little bit of Marvin Gaye-meets-Jimi Hendrix. Because of my vocal abilities, it's always going to be soulful." Blaque's first album, which is tentatively due out in the spring, features the rocking "Electric Lady" and the smooth soul sounds of lead single "It Must Be You." You can see Blaque open for Doss at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. Also on the bill is Poetic Republic. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 day of show. Call 216-383-1124. - John Benson/Special to The Plain Dealer


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

James Blaque, (born August 5, 1976) is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and a multi-talented singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. He’s been singing and playing music since the age of 5. He became a professional musician at age 15, with several instruments to his credit - bass guitar, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, upright bass, piano and drums.

Being professionally and personally influenced by artists and producers extending the gamut of musical genres, from Gospel greats such as The Winans, and Kirk Franklin; to R&B pioneers Stevie Wonder and Al Green; to Rock superstars like The Doors, ACDC, and Sting, it is no surprise that the unique sound James Blaque brings to the industry is fresh and original. Blaque is also inspired by the creative work of producers Rodney “DARKCHILD” Jerkins, RZA and Jus Blaze, to name a few.

Blaque is not a novice to music industry. As an experienced artist, he has played for the likes of Lyle Lovitt, Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Big Brother Janis, Joplin Review, Darryl Coley, Tarsha McMillan, Robin Stone off the Broadway Show “Sparkle” and the Golden Gospel Singers.

Blaque’s self-produced album is titled H.I.S.S.T.O.R.Y, and features a range of notable performers including platinum-selling artist Anthony Hamilton, Inspirational vocalist Tarsha McMillan, Neo-Soul singer Conya Doss, and Hip-hop lyricist Q Nice.