Shelby James & the Crying Shames

Born in Fulton County Ohio, Shelby J Graber grew up in the rural heart of the mid west on the outskirts of Toledo. 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.