My name is Jesse James Russell. I was born and raised in Manson, Washington. I feel like I've been a jack-of-all-trades: mechanic, farmer, welder, cook, student, and musician, but I can honestly say that I was put on this earth to play music.
I remember listening to Santana and the Moody Blues as a little kid when we would take road trips to visit family in California. I saw a live band for the first time when I was 6 years old, and I told my mom that I was going to be a saxophone player. One way or another, I changed my mind and I got my first guitar when I was 8 years old. I told myself that I would learn how to play blues guitar, and now the blues has become a permanent part of my identity.
Some people try to learn from books, or try to learn how to play every Stevie Ray Vaughan lick note for note, but as hard as I tried, I discovered that I couldn't play anything exactly like anyone else. Blessing or curse, I learned to play every song my way, Jesse James Style.
I've had some really great experiences in my life, learning lessons from other great musicians, and I have enjoyed especially the opportunities that I've had to share the stage with some of my heroes including: Terry Harmonica Bean, Randy Oxford, Otis Taylor, Buddy Guy, Junkyard Jane, Too Slim, Chris Eger, Mark Whitman, Fat James and more.
Giordan "Gio" Montero is the oldest member of the MOB. An accomplished bassist, guitarist, vocalist and harmonica player, Giordan brings talent and soul to the MOB.
Giordan is a Seattle native. He graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Chemistry.
Giordan is also a founding member of Seattle Punk Rock band The Black Tones.
Nick Mardon is one of Washington's best new stars in the music scene. Nick plays guitar and fronts his BB nominated band the Nick Mardon Blues Trio.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Nick has been featured as a side man on guitar, bass and drums.
Nick is the drummer for James and Montgomery and regularly joins the MOB on guitar or drums.
Mason Turner and the Reign is a great new original band from the Seattle area. Founding members Mason Turner and Isaac Hollandsworth have shared the stage with the MOB from time to time and their talents deserve some checking out.