Following the release of Steppin’ Back 1988 and Steppin’ Back 1999, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jamie James has announced a third installment in his ongoing archival series. Arriving digitally on July 10, 2026, via Oglio Entertainment, Steppin’ Back 2004 presents a very personal collection of recordings that showcase a different side of his work.
Best known as the frontman of Rockabilly trio The Kingbees, as well as for his work alongside the late Harry Dean Stanton and Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, James bridges Rockabilly, Roots Rock, Blues, Americana, and classic Rock & Roll. With Steppin’ Back 2004, he “strips those influences down to their bare essentials.”
Originally conceived under the title, Powerless, the collection features acoustic performances built around guitars, voices, and harmonica. Joining James throughout the sessions is Michael Rummans, the original bassist of The Kingbees.
James shares:
Steppin’ Back 2004 was originally going to be titled ‘Powerless,’ simply because it’s just two unplugged guitars, two voices, and a harmonica. The other acoustic guitar, voice, and harmonica belong to Michael Rummans, the original bass player in The Kingbees. These songs are a collection I felt didn’t need any other instrumentation to be complete, so I kept things simple.
James credits the recordings’ intimate feel to engineer Warren Dewey, whose work helped bring the performances to life.
He continues:
A big part of why they work without drums and the rest comes down to recording engineer extraordinaire Warren Dewey. It was a joy for Michael and me to record these tracks with him. A huge thank you also goes to John Miller for his impeccable remastering work. Lastly, I’m thrilled these songs will be available through Oglio Entertainment. Thank you for listening.
Steppin’ Back 2004 Track Listing
- Find Our Way Home
- Hollywood Superstar
- Run Out Of Time
- Impossible Love
- We’re Gonna Get Through
- The Girl I Love
- Mother Earth (She Waits For You)
- Dead Man’s Pride
- Free Your Soul
- Find Your Faith
