Singer/songwriter and Rock ‘N Roll artist Jamie James has opened his vault and readied some recordings from his long history in music. In collaboration with Oglio Entertainment, James is set to release a series of previously unheard recordings, beginning with Steppin’ Back 1988, a digital-only collection arriving April 24, 2026.
Best known as the frontman of Rockabilly trio The Kingbees, James has shared the stage with the late Harry Dean Stanton, traded licks with Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, and continuing to evolve through his solo work. Steppin’ Back 1988 shows a glimpse of an earlier chapter of that journey.
The release features ten original tracks recorded during a particularly energizetic period featuring a full band.
James says:
Welcome to 1988! Steppin’ Back is exactly what it sounds like — a time machine. Ten original songs, recorded the old-fashioned way: guitar, bass, drums, plug in, hit record, and rock. No tricks, no overthinking. Just the pure energy of a band locked in a room and going for it. As we sang in ‘Rox Off’ — ‘there’s a Danger Zone called Rock n’ Roll’ — and back in ’88, we were living right in the middle of it. This one was a blast to make. Thanks to Oglio Records for bringing it back to life.
Recorded at Wireworks Studios in Rosemead, CA and engineered by Mark “Rusty” Cusick, the sessions showcase James on vocals and guitar alongside Danny O’Brien on drums and background vocals, and Ricky Venus on bass, and background vocals. All songs were written by Jamie James.
Steppin’ Back 1988 marks the first in a series of archival releases curated from Jamie James’ vault, offering fans a deeper look into previously unheard chapters of his career.
Track Listing:
- Pieces
- Two Faces
- Canadian Blues
- All I Got
- Twist of Fate
- Rox Off
- Love and Sex
- Cruel World
- Outlaw
- Long Shot
