Jimmy Bowen & Santa Fe

Jimmy and his band are releasing a dynamite country album, Single Down in San Antone.

"I love Jimmy's passion for music. He is a true artist with a genuine heart. His latest CD, "Single Down in San Antone", is nothing less than superior. The production, vocal arrangements and music are excellently done." states Andy Anderson with the Atlanta Rhythm Section.

The entire album showcases the versatility of the band members – each who are able to multi-task on a wide range of instruments. This also is evident in their live shows, as the band delights audiences with a variety of acoustic, country, and southern rock flavors. Thus, making Jimmy Bowen and Santa Fe an all-around band that pleases almost any music fan! Jimmy states, “I feel that if our audience is seeing that we’re having a good time, they’re likely to have a good time and enjoy the music, no matter how close we are to the traditions.”

The crowd reaction to Jimmy Bowen and Santa Fe’s live show is nothing less than stellar…and even more so if there are Texans in the audience! This wonderful collection of country music is being received with delight by music fans from across several genres.

The same group that can deliver a hard-core country classic or a version of a Crosby, Stills, and Nash hit, can then lay down the acoustic instruments and rock the house with a full country band. Competence, confidence and versatility... that's what you'll find in the award winning Jimmy Bowen and his band, Santa Fe.

Jimmy is a veteran within various music circles throughout the US having performed at the White House, on several national television programs, The Grand Ole Opry, and has received numerous awards and accolades, being honored by peers and fans alike.

Jimmy is a multi-instrumentalist and has been performing since the age of eight. After earning an accounting degree, Jimmy chose to pursue a career in music. Following several years with the legendary Country Gentlemen, Jimmy had the pleasure of being a founding member of Continental Divide.

Also in Santa Fe is Rick Briggs on keyboard and banjo. Rick has performed with such noted artists as Chubby Anthony, Dale Ann Bradley, Lynn Anderson, Connie Smith, Tommy Williams, and Southern Rail as well as to graduate from the National Radio Institute in Washington, DC for Electronic Music Technology.

Blake Bowen, was born into a musical family (the Bowens to be exact) and has been playing bass since the age of seven. His talents developed rapidly and expanded to the guitar and other acoustic instruments. Blake has performed with Grand Ole Opry star, Jesse McReynolds, and up-and-coming country star, Amber Burks, before joining Santa Fe full time.

Ollie O'Shea, fiddle, is well educated in the field of American country music. He has been playing guitar and singing most of his life and has worked with some of the best country musicians in America. Ollie has been recently signed as a songwriter to "Good Bit Music," a publishing company owned by one of country music's most successful songwriters, Jim Lauderdale. Ollie has played fiddle with such artists as Hank Williams III, Gary Allan, George Ducas, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale. JB&SF are proud to have Ollie join the team.

Joining Santa Fe on guitar is Bobby Nicholas. Bobby is very versatile in vocals as well as his great lead guitar work. Bobby employs contemporary styles as well as traditional melody-based leads. He is also a very accomplished songwriter and brings many new original tunes to the group. Bobby has his own publishing company and has traveled around the world with such artists as Patty Loveless and Terri Clark.

Joining Santa Fe on drums is Don Hamrick. Don has performed with several acts locally and abroad to establish himself as a well known drummer, clinician, session player and instructor. After stints with “The Georgia Prophets Band” and Rich Elder (formerly of “The Main Street Singers”), Don attended Winthrop University and earned a B.M.E. as a percussion major. After a stint with a new artist by the name of Barry Brown, Don decided to join Jimmy Bowen & Santa Fe and is looking forward to a long lasting musical relationship.

Jordan Vanatta joins Santa Fe on electric guitar. Jordan has performed thoughout the US with new country artists Jason Meadows and Ron Williams. He is a prolific songwriter and multi-talented musician.

Steve Hinson rounds out the band on steel guitar. Steve is a noted studio musician within the country music field when not on the road with Jimmy Bowen. Steve is also a multi-talented musician adding resophonic guitar, acoustic and electric guitar to his repertoire.

Jimmy Bowen & Santa Fe are proud members of the Americana Music Association.