James PJ Spraggins: Press

Birmingham's James Spraggins II, affectionately known as PJ, is a drummer, composer and producer. Spraggins developed a love for music at an early age in the church while growing up in Bessemer. He received a music scholarship to Alabama State University where he participated in five different music ensembles.

During his professional career, Spraggins has played with Randy Owen (Alabama), Byron Cage, Dorenda Clark (The Clark Sisters), Ronnie Laws, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Ike Stubblefield, Eric Essix, Joey Summerville, Melvin Miller, Tekneek, William Green (Magic Dream), Toni Redd, Katrina Willis, Kelley Oneal, and Maria Howell among others.

Currently Spraggins is holding down the drummer for neo soul artist, Donnie. His studio credits include: Tekneek (Joyride)--drums, programming, song writing; Eric Essix (Abid With Me)--drums; William Green (Green Valley)--drums; It's All About Him Ministries (Come Let Us Adore Him)--drums.

Spraggins' debut jazz CD is The Light of Day and he plays his first solo gig March 17th at Ona's Music Room.

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to James “PJ” Spraggins… drummer, keyboardist, composer, and producer from Birmingham, Alabama. He’s been playing music since he was a youngster in nearby Bessemer, attended Alabama State on a music scholarship, and has played with a host of headliners, among them Ronnie Laws, Eric Essix, and the Smooth Jazz group Tekneek. THE LIGHT OF DAY is PJ’s debut solo project, and it’s a good one. In fact, you may have heard it recently on the Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8’s” segments. The album, as PJ puts it, “is a collection of songs written from a drummer’s perspective… just simple songs with simple melodies. It’s my way of reminding people not to forget about the little things that make life worth living.” In addition to drums and drum programming, he plays the keys beautifully on all nine originals. Eric Essix contributes some exceptional guitar work to both “Excited” and the succulent “Autumn Breeze,” which are two of my faves on the disc. I love PJ’s concept and his new album… a_lot. Simple, memorable melodies have been the basis for some of our most popular hits… the ones we love to listen to over and over again, year after year. It takes pure talent to compose that kind of music, and James “PJ” Spraggins has definitely been blessed with plenty of that. THE LIGHT OF DAY is a collection of gentle, lyrical tunes that will, indeed, help you connect to the joy in life! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

Introducing, Birmingham, Alabama’s own - the multi-talented James “PJ” Spraggins! His professional resume reflects one of a consummate professional and respected colleague in the world of live jazz and R&B music. Spraggins’ debut release “The Light of Day” captures the very essence of Birmingham’s “cool and do it easy” panache.

This drummer, composer and producer launches into the title cut “The Light of Day” with an elegant throwback to the soothing and sexy. Spraggins’ use of programmable drum tracks is a compliment to his drumming sensibilities as it is highly unusual for a “drummer” to use “programmable drums” in the majority of their production.

“PJ” as he is affectionately called, launches into the next tune, “Excited” with unabashed simplicity and unleashes an arsenal of Birmingham’s finest, guitarist Eric Essix, bassist Sean Michael Ray, and saxophonist, Kelley O’Neal; the drum track programmed and produced by PJ.

One of my favorite tunes “Autumn Breezes” is cool and sexy and inviting; while PJ’s live drums playfully accompany Essix’s acoustic guitar zephyr-like. “God is Good” and “Sweet Nita” continue the story with a lively “Euro” vibe most likely attributed to the keyboard patches [sounds] that PJ deliberately chooses for his entire album.

All in all, this CD is a great introduction to your closest friends who are not sure how or why they should love jazz music. This CD does not offend the ear and offers the appropriate insignia for entertaining in the confines of your home. Achtung baby! Proceed with caution and Watch out; as the music here is fantastically sensual and probably should have been dedicated to all the lovers in the house………

Put “The Light of Day” in rotation, pour some passion fruit in a tall glass, and sip. It’s all about the groove...


Respectfully submitted by Ginger Dee
for Atlanta Jazz.Info
www.myspace.com/gingerdee