Back in 2003, ‘Hooked on a Dream’ was the name of Jo’s first solo album and was probably the pivotal time from when Jo James Band began to evolve. At this time she was developing her stage presence and persona, in the Country Rock scene, by providing lead and support vocals and keyboards with a local band called Rewind. Having been bitten by the bug that is only understood by those that have delivered a performance that is more than well received by the audience, Jo was hooked...
It was just after the summer of 2004 when she started looking to form her own band. Simon Whitmore, a bass guitarist from Newton Hall, Co.Durham answered one of her ads seeking musicians to start a band. Simon met Jo and suggested he knew a lead guitarist that might also be interested, Brian Jameson, who had played with 'Relic' until a few months earlier. Soon after this initial contact Jo, Simon and Brian began working on some material. They found themselves to be on the same wavelength and the three of them joined forces. At the same time a neighbour of Jo's Dad heard she was after a drummer and he suggested Paul.
Jo also knew a rhythm guitarist and vocalist called John Mitchell from her time with 'Rewind' and she offered to buy him a drink. He recalls ' the next few moments still remain a blank to me, but on coming back round and while sipping the water she had bought me, I was informed that I had joined Jo James Band.
Although a very competent keyboard player, Jo was keen to concentrate on singing lead vocals and so Karen, John Mitchell's niece, was asked to join as keyboard player. Another benefit that Karen offered was that she had a good strong singing voice and so could provide great harmonies. This initial line up was then complete to commence rehearsals and to go live...
In the early days rrehearsals took place twice a week in the Newton Hall and Framwellgate Moor, Community Centres in Co
The First Line Up
Just prior to the turn of the year and before the band had played a gig, Paul announced he was taking a career break. He went off to Glasgow to train to be a commercial pilot. (B+++++D!!!)
This is him.... 
Following adverts on the good old Riffs website the band took on the talents of a blues drummer from
.
Bill Quay Cricket Club
The Launch
Once an acceptable programme was put together the band set a launch date for friends and supporters. It took place in May 2005 at the Seaton Sluice, Social Club. It was an explosive night with brand new numbers like ‘To the Moon & Back, All My Loving, Gimme All Your Lovin' etc going down a storm.
Band Launch Seaton Sluice Club 
In June 2005 Jo James Band appeared at The Archer,( Now Mr Lynchs), Archbold Tce,
The next blow that hit the band was for Ed to announce hat he was leaving the band to go back to his Blues roots. In one way this was unfortunate and disappointing and another it was also unfortunate and disappointing as Paul had returned from Glasgow and was keen to return to the band! Nobody knows who gave him the okay cos he just turned up at the next practice and everyone else was under the impression that someone else had asked him back.
So it was back to basics again, getting a programme up and running.
However it was not to be for long! Simon’s back trouble worsened, causing him to take medical retirement from work. He also developed tendon trouble in his arm. A wedding at Ramside Hall,
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Ramside Hall, Durham
In September the Band began to get stuck into the Pub rock scene and thanks once again to Riffs website JJB were able to secure the services of another couple of Bass guitarists to briefly see us through.
They didn't stay and the band decided to secure the temporary services of a good friend in Alan O’Neill. Alan is the bass player with Rewind and offered his services while the avenues were searched and the right guy found.
Alan O'Neill
This early to mid period in 2007 was the time which laid down the potential of the Jo James Band.
Paul and Alan got on like a house on fire and the rhythm section of the band became the solid foundation that every band needs.
The band got tighter and the reviews from gigs got better. One of the band’s best gigs so far, came on August Bank Holiday Monday 2007, at the Newfield Inn,
Newfield Inn, Newfield,Chester le St. 
The Inn Crowd Rockin!!
Yet again the Riffs site came to our rescue in September 2007 and the wind of fortune brought Joe Hedley back from
Luma
2008 however brought yet more changes, as due to increasing pressures outside of Jo James Band, John was finding life far too frantic and so something had to give! His appearance at Easy Street in Chester-le-Street in January this year was to be his last gig with the band...and a belter it was too! Although it was very sad to see John go, it was clear that life had to slow down for him and so the best thing Jo and the band could do was wish him well and move forward, reforming as a 5 piece band.
2008 has proved to be a very successful year for Jo James Band so far. Their reputation is clearly growing with each gig, and they are continuing to build up a great following. Having played venues such as The Cluny, Steels Social Club, The Daisy Hill, Lumley Castle, Ramside Hall & Langley Castle, Jo James Band is going from strength to strength and is certainly one to watch for the future! If you haven't been to one of their gigs yet, well what are you waiting for???