Steve James is a songsmith and bottleneck guitarist from Austin Texas, described by Third Coast Magazine as “a true Americana hero…his intensity and focus always reminds me of James Coburn’s character in the Magnificent Seven.” Del Rey hails from Seattle Washington and is a complex, pianistic guitarist, described as “a combination of Bo Carter and the Andrews Sisters.” These two powerful exponents of American vernacular guitar-playing, have joined forces to make musical testament to the hillbilly/smarty-pants/country blues aesthetic. Sharing a sense of humor and a similar manic intensity, their duets are smart, funny and full of instrumental virtuosity. Del Rey doubles on resonator ukulele and Steve James is known for his “noble savage” mandolin style.

Always a smile-inducing show, Steve James and Del Rey return to Portland for a 9:00 pm show at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) on Thursday, February 7th. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so bring your current CBA membership card for a $1 discount at the door. Acoustic blues in its most authentic and inspiring presentation.