Porkpie James:

Born James Richard Halas to Jim and Margaret Jean Halas in Wilmington, Delaware December 15, 1957, AKA Rick, Ricky, Hal, J.R., James, and White James. As a child liked to sing Motown stuff but sports really overshadowed any musical abilities. Took guitar lessons at Wilmington Piano at age 13. Learned the basics but nothing really became of it. Quit taking lessons when mother insisted covering the guitar with a yellow rain slicker for the trip to lessons in the rain.

James HalasJoined the Military after breaking arm in college playing baseball. Resumed playing guitar. Picked the bass for a while but couldn't play bass and sing at the same time so went back to 6 string. Still wasn't much of a player but persisted and practiced. Fluttered around the U.S. living in Miami, Seattle, and settling in Los Angeles for a while. Played for several bands that never went anywhere and recorded a demo that interested Warner Brothers, but the interest was in two of the songs and not the artist.

After 6 years relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Played several solo gigs but for the most part laid the guitar down for a while. After 12 plus years moved to Louisville, Kentucky area. Found passion again and started studying the blues and playing the likes of John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Jimmy Reed and others. Combined with early influences like the Rolling Stones and Humble Pie started writing blues based songs. Hooked up with 3 other fellas, guitarist Jerry Hidalgo, bassist Johnny Darnell, and drummer Ed Slight to form the Porkpie James Blues Band.

James HalasStarted doing some recording in 2002 at J.D. Productions in Greenville, Indiana. Released a 6 song C.D. in January 2003. Continued to record at J.D. productions when Jimmy Valdes came into the picture that had this own Val-Tunes studio. A combination of these sessions produced "Crystal Balls and Voodoo Dolls." Each producer had their own style and the contrast was interesting. Hope you enjoy it. Crank it up!!

Jim Valdes:

Jimmy V. ValdezCommonly known as Jimmy V. Jim Valdes was born in Passaic, New Jersey in 1957. Spent most of his time in Miami, Florida. Currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Self taught guitarist at age 13, bass at 15, and piano at 16. Played in local disco band "Odyssey" from South Beach to Pompano. Developed his chops listening and playing to the likes of the Beatles, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd etc. Enjoys a wide variety of music from Jazz to Bosa Nova. Has recorded over 200 songs many in his own studio, Val-Tunes Inc. Jimmy V. was responsible for introducing Porkpie to Harmonica Player Charlie Isler who laid down a nice track on "Straight Out The Blue". Jimmy's playing is featured on 5 cuts on the disc "Crystal Balls And Voodoo Dolls". His keyboards and bass playing adds a great texture to Porkpies style of playing. Hope you dig it! Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.