TROUBLE DON'T LAST (2015) Chris and Patrick have never stripped their sound down on disc quite the way they do on Trouble Don’t Last. Joined only by rock-solid drummer June Core and two of their favorite harmonica aces, longtime collaborator and fellow VizzTone artist Rob Stone and new ally Aki Kumar, Chris and Patrick roar through raw-boned originals and well-chosen remakes with real-deal intensity.
BARRELHOUSE STOMP (2013) Chris James and Patrick Rynn’s third album for the Earwig label, is firmly rooted in traditional Chicago Blues, yet the San Diego-based duo continues to evolve and take chances in the studio, as this collection attests in eloquent fashion. Chris and Patrick have recruited three of the finest Blues pianists on the planet, Henry Gray, Aaron Moore, and David Maxwell to take part in this project, along with a pair of Chicago legends, guitarist Jody Williams and saxist Eddie Shaw. Each of those Blues greats makes their mighty presence strongly felt on the set. Even though their high-energy attack reflects their love for postwar electric Blues, Chris James and Patrick Rynn are decidedly of this moment and Barrelhouse Stomp lives up to its title and then some.
GONNA BOOGIE ANYWAY (2010) Chris and Patrick’s second album for Earwig following the BMA-nominated 2008 set Stop and Think About It, takes it to the next level for the San Diego-based duo, whose high-energy approach remains deeply rooted in traditional electric blues from Chicago to all points south. Chris’ dazzling guitar work is featured even more prominently than on its acclaimed predecessor, and for the first time on disc, the pair performs four unplugged selections, James’ vocals ringing with extraordinary force over rollicking grooves anchored by Patrick’s rock-steady bass. Original material dominates; the album’s four covers include two Bo Diddley gems. Piano legends Henry Gray and David Maxwell and veteran Chicago drummers Sam Lay and Willie Hayes are all on board to lend a hand.
STOP AND THINK ABOUT IT (2008) Chris and Patrick's debut album for Chicago's Earwig Records, permeated in rollicking postwar Blues tradition and bristling with high-energy excitement. Blending sparkling originals with carefully chosen covers of classics by Jay McShann, Elmore James, and other revered Blues greats and featuring guest appearances by legendary drummer Sam Lay and pianist David Maxwell, the hard-hitting "Stop and Think About It" is certain to be acclaimed as one of 2008's top Blues releases.