Our Band Members:
James Barnes—known to audiences throughout the region as JB—carries the blues in his
blood. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Jersey after his family moved east in 1965,
he grew up steeped in the sound and spirit of the music. On his father’s side, JB traces his
lineage back to Mississippi, the wellspring from which so much of this tradition flows. Those
“Mississippi Roots” became more than just family history; they formed the bedrock of his artistic
calling.
JB didn’t come to the blues casually. He studied the greats—those who laid the path before him,
those who continue to shape the form today. That study became devotion, and in 2016, the New
Jersey Blues Hall of Fame recognized that devotion, honoring him as a “Great Blues Artist.” His
first recording, JB’s Favorite Things (2023), established him as an independent artist with
something genuine to say. His long-running band, BBD Rhythm & Blues, which he founded in
2012, has been carrying that message across clubs, festivals, and concert halls throughout New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for more than a decade.
JB’s mission is plain spoken yet profound: to honor the artists who came before him while
ensuring the blues remains vibrant in the present. His latest project makes that mission personal. My Mississippi Roots, due to be released during September 2025, is more than a record—it is a testimony. The title track tells the story of JB’s father, Jerry Lee Barnes Sr., a man of quiet determination who journeyed from the deep South to the industrial North in search of work and a better life for his family. “His Mississippi Roots,” JB says, “are my Mississippi Roots.”
Produced by guitarist, songwriter, and longtime friend Anthony Krizan, My Mississippi Roots combines JB’s storytelling with contributions from a host of musicians—including his son, Jarred “Arktkt” Barnes—whose playing brings fresh fire to the tradition. The record traverses the landscape of the blues and beyond: original compositions, heartfelt tributes, and reimagined classics all rendered with conviction. From the introspective ache of “Gotta Make a Change” to the celebratory groove of “The JB Shuffle”; from the political bite of “When Did Crime Become Legal” to the reimagined soul of “Sara Smile” and the deep homage to Carey Bell in “Lonesome Stranger”— Anthony was masterful with co-writing of several of the originals along with providing some great, heartfelt blues guitar playing throughout the entire record. These songs embody both personal narrative and cultural continuity. The record closes with “Stand Up and Give Peace & Love a Chance,” a call to conscience rooted in JB’s belief in the blues as a force for uplift as well as expression. Drawing on the 1970s funk and R&B spirit of Sly Stone, the song underscores what JB has been demonstrating his whole career: that the blues is living history, a tradition that speaks to struggle and survival, but also to joy, resilience, and the unyielding hope for something better. For JB, keeping the blues alive is not about nostalgia—it is about honoring roots while growing branches. With My Mississippi Roots, he extends his family’s story into the continuum of blues history, reminding us that the music is as much about where we’ve been as it is about where we still hope to go.
blood. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Jersey after his family moved east in 1965,
he grew up steeped in the sound and spirit of the music. On his father’s side, JB traces his
lineage back to Mississippi, the wellspring from which so much of this tradition flows. Those
“Mississippi Roots” became more than just family history; they formed the bedrock of his artistic
calling.
JB didn’t come to the blues casually. He studied the greats—those who laid the path before him,
those who continue to shape the form today. That study became devotion, and in 2016, the New
Jersey Blues Hall of Fame recognized that devotion, honoring him as a “Great Blues Artist.” His
first recording, JB’s Favorite Things (2023), established him as an independent artist with
something genuine to say. His long-running band, BBD Rhythm & Blues, which he founded in
2012, has been carrying that message across clubs, festivals, and concert halls throughout New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for more than a decade.
JB’s mission is plain spoken yet profound: to honor the artists who came before him while
ensuring the blues remains vibrant in the present. His latest project makes that mission personal. My Mississippi Roots, due to be released during September 2025, is more than a record—it is a testimony. The title track tells the story of JB’s father, Jerry Lee Barnes Sr., a man of quiet determination who journeyed from the deep South to the industrial North in search of work and a better life for his family. “His Mississippi Roots,” JB says, “are my Mississippi Roots.”
Produced by guitarist, songwriter, and longtime friend Anthony Krizan, My Mississippi Roots combines JB’s storytelling with contributions from a host of musicians—including his son, Jarred “Arktkt” Barnes—whose playing brings fresh fire to the tradition. The record traverses the landscape of the blues and beyond: original compositions, heartfelt tributes, and reimagined classics all rendered with conviction. From the introspective ache of “Gotta Make a Change” to the celebratory groove of “The JB Shuffle”; from the political bite of “When Did Crime Become Legal” to the reimagined soul of “Sara Smile” and the deep homage to Carey Bell in “Lonesome Stranger”— Anthony was masterful with co-writing of several of the originals along with providing some great, heartfelt blues guitar playing throughout the entire record. These songs embody both personal narrative and cultural continuity. The record closes with “Stand Up and Give Peace & Love a Chance,” a call to conscience rooted in JB’s belief in the blues as a force for uplift as well as expression. Drawing on the 1970s funk and R&B spirit of Sly Stone, the song underscores what JB has been demonstrating his whole career: that the blues is living history, a tradition that speaks to struggle and survival, but also to joy, resilience, and the unyielding hope for something better. For JB, keeping the blues alive is not about nostalgia—it is about honoring roots while growing branches. With My Mississippi Roots, he extends his family’s story into the continuum of blues history, reminding us that the music is as much about where we’ve been as it is about where we still hope to go.
Tommy Doud aka Tommy “Earthquake” Doud was born in Newark NJ. Tommy started playing drums at the age of 11 and by 13 he was playing songs by many popular bands. At the age of 17, Tommy was taught how to read and write music by the legendary Jazz drummer “Carl Wolfe”. By the age of 20, Tommy played several hundred shows around the Tri-state area. During the 80’s Tommy played in several cover and original bands playing 100+ shows per year. Tommy quickly became a drummer in “top demand”. During 1986, he opened “Earthquake Studios” providing multi-track recording, drum lessons and rehearsal space to many bands large and small. Earthquake Studio is one of the longest running studios in central NJ. From 1986 to 1991, Tommy was the drummer for Sky Clad Recording Artists, “Pierce”. He toured the US playing over 200 shows per year and released 2 albums with the group. Tommy also performed with the bands, Shotgun Alley, Rattlebone, Victory Gin, and TKO recording artists Niblick Henbane where he recorded the LP “Go Away”. Tommy’s most recent projects are with Electric Storm, Legends of Vinyl, and the Mike Bino Project. Tommy has performed 3,000+ shows since 1969. Tommy is a great influence on the younger drum students to which he continues to provide lessons.
When Tommy “Earthquake” Doud is behind the drums, the room shakes and the groove stands out. Some of his many influences are Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon, Elvin Jones, Dave Weikel as well as many bands such as Metallica, White Snake, AC/DC, and Cream just to name a few. Tommy has been inducted into the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame during 2016.
When Tommy “Earthquake” Doud is behind the drums, the room shakes and the groove stands out. Some of his many influences are Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon, Elvin Jones, Dave Weikel as well as many bands such as Metallica, White Snake, AC/DC, and Cream just to name a few. Tommy has been inducted into the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame during 2016.
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MoeDene always had music in him. At a young age, he began playing brass horns in grade school.
The guitar didn’t hit him until 16 years old. MoeDene’s first band was Big Head, a loud 3 pc band. They were locally popular and gave him confidence to pursue the guitar. He eventually studied the guitar at the Berklee College of Music in Boston for two years. Upon returning home, he was hired into his first pro band, The Chocolate Syrup from northern New Jersey. They were a hit in New York which got Moe in front of many people. He eventually got with a local pro band, The Bags. They went on to be one of Van McCoy’s back up bands for the singing group Faith Hope and Charity. They had a national hit song, “To Each His Own” and performed several times at the Apollo Theater in Harlem NY. They even toured with Darrel Hall & John Oaks and performed at the famous Ronnie Scotts.in London…and billed ahead of the Noel Redding Band at the time. Nothing last forever. Moe found himself in Arizona with his own funk band Slick & Sassy. They played all around the Tucson/Phoenix area and even in Mexico. They also worked in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco & the Bay Area for several years. MoeDene has been playing in the south Jersey/Philly/Wilmington area for the past 20 yrs. You can see him performing with his own band, The MD Concept and with Chuck’s Alibi. |