Richard James and The Name Changers
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Richard James and The Name Changers

Boston, Massachusetts, United States | SELF

Boston, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
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"New Richard James and The Name Changers MUSIC VIDEO!"

Check our the brand new Richard James and The Name Changers Music Video for their track "Left For Dead"! - Zachary Nolin


"RIchard James & The Name Changers on F Nice Records & Unregular Radio's Boston Live Music Show"

Check out the link! - Sam Schwab


"Names & Games - Richard James establishes a solid Identity"

Hearin' the hub, the music blog by Jeff Wallace

There are a lot of ways for bands to connect with their fans these days. Richard James and the Name Changers, a six-piece group out of the North Shore, takes it one step further than just the typical Facebook and web presence. If you go to one of the band's bigger shows (which are happening more regularly of late) they will provide you with a “Hello My Name Is” sticker and invite you to change your name for the night. A fun trick, yeah, but it’s a brilliant way to get everyone involved. And that’s what it's all about, isn’t it? Just ask Coco Butter, one of the many fans who regularly attend Name Changers shows with the same name tags, just further proof that creating a positive experience for the crowd goes beyond playing your instruments.


“The more we get people involved, the better the energy will be. It’s important: Without the fans, where are you going to be?” says lead singer and keys player Richard James.


The band participates in the name game, too. At certain shows the members pick a theme and wear different shirts with names on them. They’ll leave it to the crowd to guess the theme. For the band’s headlining show last month at the Middle East Upstairs, they went with Johnny Depp characters. RJ was Duke. (Who can name the movie?) At another show, the theme was towns in Massachusetts that are actual first names. They even split up “Billerica” by having the two-piece horn section stand next to each other wearing “Bill” and “Erica.” Now try guessing the other names.


“So what are you going with on Thursday [tomorrow, April 14] at Church?” I ask. The band will be playing in the middle slot (9:15 to 10:15 p.m.) for MySecretBoston’s new music series, “Secret Sessions".

“We actually haven’t decided yet. It’s a work in progress. We could always play on the whole Church theme. What do you think? Any ideas?” Umlah says. I wasn’t expecting to be put on the spot like that, but I did suggest something that might very well turn out to be the theme. You’ll have to wait and see.

All of this would be meaningless if the band didn’t have the music to back it up. Richard James and the Name Changers have that more than covered. Every show is its own life force, with a diverse and carefully crafted batch of originals endlessly flowing through witty cover selections (much like that band that changed the name of that animal that swims in the sea). It’s a jam band in certain places, but a psychedelic, funk-laden rock experience all around the edges. They even have a shot at playing this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival by way of a fan poll powered by Sonic Bids. The top eight-ranked bands get slots at this year’s festival. To cast your vote, check out the contest page and download one of Richard James’ songs.


No two shows are alike for this band. What evolved out of a drum and keys duo much like the real Duo (Benevento/Russo) gained steam by adding more arms and legs. The current six-strong grouping, complete with a pair of horns, is locked and loaded with a deep bag of tricks—Zappa, Floyd, and even touches of the Ben Folds Five get their moments. There’s a lot of room to run in this group.

”We can bring you up, bring you down, and take you places you probably weren’t going to expect,” RJ says.
The Name Changers are known to cover everything from “Shakedown Street” to “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” always shaping each piece into something that’s purely their own. The latter tune, an old-school hip-hop number from Ina Kamoze (trust me, you’ve definitely heard this song), flies through the Name Changers universe more like a James Brown funk tune than a ’90s hip-hop staple. The band chose to cover this song by soliciting suggestions from fans on Facebook. It promised to play the 100th wall post during a recent show at Sugarloaf, which turned out to be “Hotstepper.” The tune felt so right for the band that it will still bust it out on occasion. Thursday, perhaps? The best thing about this band is you never know what to expect.

RJ and his band are based out of the North Shore, a growing community for music and the arts. Some of Boston’s best talent has moved up the coast in favor of the cleaner air. This setting has proven to be a solid home base for the band.

“We are able to try out a lot of new stuff on the North Shore. We can play three nights in row, one in Gloucester, one in Salem, and one in Beverly, and have three different crowds. There are some serious music fanatics that go out every night around here, plus there’s no better place to be in the summer. The musicianship is top notch, too. Guys like Tim Pike, Mike Miksis, Benny Benson, and the Aruda Brothers all live up here.”

With all that talent surrounding them, Richard James and the Name Changers fit right in. RJ especially gets around. Lucky for us living in Boston, the band will leave behind the North Shore tomorrow (Thursday) to steal some faces and change some names at Church durin - My Secret Boston - Jeff Wallace


"Names & Games - Richard James establishes a solid Identity"

Hearin' the hub, the music blog by Jeff Wallace

There are a lot of ways for bands to connect with their fans these days. Richard James and the Name Changers, a six-piece group out of the North Shore, takes it one step further than just the typical Facebook and web presence. If you go to one of the band's bigger shows (which are happening more regularly of late) they will provide you with a “Hello My Name Is” sticker and invite you to change your name for the night. A fun trick, yeah, but it’s a brilliant way to get everyone involved. And that’s what it's all about, isn’t it? Just ask Coco Butter, one of the many fans who regularly attend Name Changers shows with the same name tags, just further proof that creating a positive experience for the crowd goes beyond playing your instruments.


“The more we get people involved, the better the energy will be. It’s important: Without the fans, where are you going to be?” says lead singer and keys player Richard James.


The band participates in the name game, too. At certain shows the members pick a theme and wear different shirts with names on them. They’ll leave it to the crowd to guess the theme. For the band’s headlining show last month at the Middle East Upstairs, they went with Johnny Depp characters. RJ was Duke. (Who can name the movie?) At another show, the theme was towns in Massachusetts that are actual first names. They even split up “Billerica” by having the two-piece horn section stand next to each other wearing “Bill” and “Erica.” Now try guessing the other names.


“So what are you going with on Thursday [tomorrow, April 14] at Church?” I ask. The band will be playing in the middle slot (9:15 to 10:15 p.m.) for MySecretBoston’s new music series, “Secret Sessions".

“We actually haven’t decided yet. It’s a work in progress. We could always play on the whole Church theme. What do you think? Any ideas?” Umlah says. I wasn’t expecting to be put on the spot like that, but I did suggest something that might very well turn out to be the theme. You’ll have to wait and see.

All of this would be meaningless if the band didn’t have the music to back it up. Richard James and the Name Changers have that more than covered. Every show is its own life force, with a diverse and carefully crafted batch of originals endlessly flowing through witty cover selections (much like that band that changed the name of that animal that swims in the sea). It’s a jam band in certain places, but a psychedelic, funk-laden rock experience all around the edges. They even have a shot at playing this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival by way of a fan poll powered by Sonic Bids. The top eight-ranked bands get slots at this year’s festival. To cast your vote, check out the contest page and download one of Richard James’ songs.


No two shows are alike for this band. What evolved out of a drum and keys duo much like the real Duo (Benevento/Russo) gained steam by adding more arms and legs. The current six-strong grouping, complete with a pair of horns, is locked and loaded with a deep bag of tricks—Zappa, Floyd, and even touches of the Ben Folds Five get their moments. There’s a lot of room to run in this group.

”We can bring you up, bring you down, and take you places you probably weren’t going to expect,” RJ says.
The Name Changers are known to cover everything from “Shakedown Street” to “Here Comes the Hotstepper,” always shaping each piece into something that’s purely their own. The latter tune, an old-school hip-hop number from Ina Kamoze (trust me, you’ve definitely heard this song), flies through the Name Changers universe more like a James Brown funk tune than a ’90s hip-hop staple. The band chose to cover this song by soliciting suggestions from fans on Facebook. It promised to play the 100th wall post during a recent show at Sugarloaf, which turned out to be “Hotstepper.” The tune felt so right for the band that it will still bust it out on occasion. Thursday, perhaps? The best thing about this band is you never know what to expect.

RJ and his band are based out of the North Shore, a growing community for music and the arts. Some of Boston’s best talent has moved up the coast in favor of the cleaner air. This setting has proven to be a solid home base for the band.

“We are able to try out a lot of new stuff on the North Shore. We can play three nights in row, one in Gloucester, one in Salem, and one in Beverly, and have three different crowds. There are some serious music fanatics that go out every night around here, plus there’s no better place to be in the summer. The musicianship is top notch, too. Guys like Tim Pike, Mike Miksis, Benny Benson, and the Aruda Brothers all live up here.”

With all that talent surrounding them, Richard James and the Name Changers fit right in. RJ especially gets around. Lucky for us living in Boston, the band will leave behind the North Shore tomorrow (Thursday) to steal some faces and change some names at Church durin - My Secret Boston - Jeff Wallace


"Peerless Mastering"

The album "Along The Way" by Richard James is one of the best albums I've heard all year! - Jeff Lipton


"Artist Spotlight"

Richard James is a Brilliant up and coming songwriter! The cynical lyrics over the eerily fun and flapper-inspired melodies is a hallmark of Richard James’ style. ~ Sam C.

http://blog.ourstage.com/2009/12/10/liner-notes-richard-james-i-tried/#more-24929 - www.ourstage.com


"Amazing Things Happen"

Playing every Thursday night at the Precinct, the second band to take the stage was the memorable psychedelic indie rock band Richard James. With an ever-growing fan base, Richard James has been helping Boston release that crazy side of them during their shows. Hosting exhilarating and vibrant performances, these musicians execute more than the average show. With a kickin’ brass section, badass guitarists, playful piano harmonies and dynamic vocals, the soul of this music seeps into its listeners and makes them groove to the energy of the music and the band. The trumpet and trombone capture the spirit of a standard ensemble and replacing it with brass ecstasy.

Richard James is an entrancing voice to watch, and clearly a leader of high caliber on stage. Every song emanates rich tone and lyrical freedom. As Richard James sings his voice adds a harmonic and rhythmic level to each song; his music is technically and blissfully pleasing to the ear. With the entire band adding funk, soul rhythms and free improve; the band unleashes a vital energy that pushes their music to the edge and then snaps their listeners into a swinging groove.

By: Kristen DeTroia - Boston Music Scene Article


"Taxi Review - "I Tried""

You wear your "Beatles" influence on your sleeve, from the overall McCartney vibe to the more obvious La La's. I like the sound here, it's nice and clean without being clinical, the band sounds solid! The vocals have a nice natural sound to them, as do the backgrounds. You make it all sound very easy, which is a good thing, especially because we both know it's not....Good job!

This song is pop with a distinct McCartney vibe. - Taxi


Discography

- Along The Way CD (2009)
- Cuba Street CD (2012)
- Please take a minute and check out our new music video for our song "Left For Dead" directed by Zach Nolin on Youtube!

Photos

Bio

Richard James and The Name Changers
Booking & Management : Hoplite Music
www.HopliteMusic.com
Booking Agent : Tom Baggott
MajorTom@HopliteMusic.com

Richard James & The Name Changers—RJNC to their fans—are a Boston-based rock band with a piano driven, song-oriented sound that appeals to adventuresome music lovers with genre bending tastes and a desire to dance. If that isn’t specific enough, then one should turn to the source. “Whiskey-infused roots rock and roll,” says Richard James when suggesting a sound for his band… That kind of willingness to roll with it has served the pianist/ front man pretty well thus far. After a few years of performing in the Northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada, headlining local haunts and supporting the likes of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros, Slick Rick, Chris Robinson Brotherhood and many other inspirational artists whose fans have embraced the up-and-coming quartet. RJNC have built up a core following in Northern New England, and now they have their sights set on the entire Eastern seaboard.

In the fall of 2012, after two years of writing and recording, the band released their sophomore album Cuba Street. The record showcases the band’s ability to move smoothly from soulful, boogie-woogie, blues-tinged rock to jam-influenced compositions with subtle and diverse flavors ranging from the likes of Little Feat, Dr. John and The Band to The Black Crowes, The Rolling Stones and My Morning Jacket.

“…the band’s originals sizzle with playful hooks and jam-friendly tactics, bordering between mighty soul power, sauce funk, and straight-up festive piano rock. The tunes are easy to jive with, even for the most passive listeners.” ~ My Secret Boston

With an original catalog of over 50 songs and a broad range of classic and obscure covers, Richard James and company—a wrecking crew that sometimes includes a three-piece horn section—turns any room into a party.

Tour Schedule over the last year :

11.03.12 - Port City Music Hall (Residency) Portland, ME
11.10.12 - Port City Music Hall (Residency) Portland, ME
11.17.12 - Port City Music Hall (Residency) Portland, ME
11.24.12 - Port City Music Hall (Residency) Portland, ME
11.30.12 - Tammany Hall - Worcester, MA
12.07.12 - Iron Horse Music Hall - Northampton, MA
12.14.12 - The Stone Church - Newmarket, NH
12.21.12 - The Lizard Lounge - Boston, MA
01.19.13 - The Thirsty Moose - Portsmouth, NH
01.25.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT
02.02.13-14-15 - Music Video Shoot - Boston, MA
02.09.13 - The Beach House - Falmouth, MA
02.15.13 - Sugarloaf Mountain - Carrabassett Valley, ME
02.16.13 - Sugarloaf Mountain - Carrabassett Valley, ME
02.22.13 - Port City Music Hall - Portland, ME
02.23.13 - Mount Snow (The Snowbarn) - West Dover, VT
03.01.13 - The Grog - Newburyport, MA
03.15.13 - Sugarloaf Mountain - Carrabassett Valley, ME
03.16.13 - Sugarloaf Mountain - Carrabassett Valley, ME
03.29.13 - Church - Boston, MA
04.03.13 - Sugarloaf Mountain - Carrabassett Valley, ME
04.05.13 - Tammany Hall - Worcester, MA
04.13.13 - The Stone Church - Newmarket, NH
04.25.13 - RJNC as PINK FLOYD @ Church - Boston, MA
04.26.13 - The Putnam Den - Saratoga, NY
05.10.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT
05.11.13 - Church - Boston, MA
05.17.13 - The Grog - Newburyport, MA
05.18.13 - Inn on The Blues - York, ME
06.07.13 - Splash - Salisbury, NH
06.08.13 - The Minglewood Tavern - Gloucester, MA
06.15.13 - Disc Jam Music Festival - Sturbridge, MA
06.16.13 - Disc Jam Music Festival - Sturbridge, MA
06.21.13 - Tammany Hall - Worcester, MA
06.22.13 - Granite State Music Festival - Concord, NH
07.03.13 - Phish Afterparty @ Tantrum - Bangor, ME
07.12.13 - Sully’s Pub - Hartford, CT
07.13.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT
08.01.13 - The Lampost - Martha’s Vineyard, MA
08.02.13 - The Beach House - Falmouth, MA
08.03.13 - Booth Bay Harbor, ME
08.09.13 - The Big Up Festival - Claverack, NY
08.10.13 - The Big Up Festival - Claverack, NY
08.17.13 - The Shakedown Ranch - Fredericton, NB (Canada)
08.31.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT
09.06.13 - The Thirsty Moose - Portsmouth, NH
09.07.13 - The Gratitude Harvest Festival - S. Dartmouth, MA
09.13.13 - Ocean Mist - South Kingstown, RI
09.14.13 - Wormtown Music Festival - Greenfield, MA
09.20.13 - Electric Haze - Worcester, MA
09.22.13 - King Pine Music Festival - E. Madison, NH
10.03.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT (Residency)
10.04.13 - The Main Pub - Manchester, CT
10.05.13 - The Spot - Providence, RI
10.10.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT (Residency)
10.11.13 - The Matterhorn - Stowe, VT
10.17.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT (Residency)
10.24.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT (Residency)
10.25.13 - Red Square - Albany, NY
10.26.13 - Strange Brew - Norwich, CT
10.31.13 - Nectar’s - Burlington, VT (Residency)
11.01.13 - Penucci’s - Manchester, NH
11.07.13 - The Thirsty Moose - Portsmouth, NH
12.07.13 - Mt. Snow (The Sno