A song that pays tribute both musically and lyrically to the western desert plains of the United States and the plight of Native Americans' historical struggle to maintain their land and freedom.

LYRICS:

There's an eagle flying westward
Just before the dawn
Reminds him of the freedom
That he had before it was gone

Native Man once again you're dealt a losing hand
Trail of tears so many years, on a road of blood and sand

Like the wolves he runs freely
In his path he’s kicking up dust
When he goes against the grain he
Is only doing what he feels he must

Native Man once again you're dealt a losing hand
Trail of tears so many years, on a road of blood and sand

When there's smoke there's gonna be fire
With a dance he'll make it rain
Following his own messiah
The paint that marks his cheek is the paint that marks his pain

Can't keep him down , can't keep him silent
Can't break the spirit of a child

Native Man once again you're dealt a losing hand
Trail of tears so many years, on a road of blood and sand

When there's smoke there's gonna be fire
With a dance he'll make it rain
Following his own messiah
The paint that marks his cheek is the paint that marks his pain

Heart Burn

Blood And Sand

A romantically inspired track involving an encounter around an open country fire pit gathering. The mood and instrumentation has Cuban musical influences

 Lyrics: Where did you come from
I never knew there was someone
Who has what u do, Turn me up turn me on
Till the morning arrives and you're gone 

Dancing flames
Burn us  alive
Dancing flames
Light up the night 
Dancing Flames
Your smoke carries our souls away

I want to get to know u 
Know more than your name 
Be my music, my muse till night turns to day
Light my soul, lose control, lets just carried away

Dancing flames
burns us alive
Dancing flames
Light up the night 
Dancing Flames
Your smoke carries our souls away

The fever is burning inside of me
Like two frost bitten lovers we’re drawn to the heat
The fever is burning up a 1000 degrees
The fire inside of you is inside of me

llama balarina

Dancing Flames

A heartfelt emotional track reflects on the ups and downs of a close, yet tumultuous romantic relationship

Lyrics:
It’s where you lay the money down
It’s where you tie the boat up on the shore
It’s when you hold me close 
and you won’t let go

So when you think you’re comin’ round?
When you think my luck is gonna change
I Don’t remember hurting anybody’s feelings along the way

	We could go the distance
	On a path of low resistance
	Aren’t you tired of raising hell just for the sake of a story to tell?

It’s where you lay the money down
It’s where you lay tired feet to rest
On a cold night
When you haven’t been at your best

So when you think you’re comin’ round?
When you think my luck is gonna change
I Don’t remember hurting anybody’s feelings along the way

	We could go the distance
	On a path of low resistance
	Aren’t you tired of raising hell just to have a good story to tell?

When you think you’re coming round?

It’s where you lay the money down
It’s when you tell me there is nothing more
When your ship has sailed off 
To find another shore

When you coming back around?

Money Down

Tracks from the Chris James and the Showdowns latest rootsy, rockin’ and authentic record: “Somewhere out in California.” The band has honed their songwriting craft delivering dance driven rhythms, signature guitar licks, heartfelt vocals, and sing-along choruses throughout an unflinchingly solid Americana Rock album. Recorded primarily at legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA, the group has captured the classic sound they’ve come to be known for; often channelling the influences of such heros as: Tom Petty, The Eagles, The Band, and America, while putting forth their own contemporary alt-country-rock expression. 

Chris James is no stranger to the recording studio, or to the stage. Throughout his career he has amassed an impressive catalog of recorded material ranging at least eight albums and has played continuously on both coasts in hundreds of venues. His band The Showdowns are comprised of loyal musical soldiers who are all esteemed pro musicians in their own right: Matt Berg (drums), AJ Leighton (bass), John Paterson (keys) and Whitt Vicena (lead guitar). The musical synergy created between them is contagious and transcends the stage. Together they have fought from the trenches of the grittiest bars, to club venues, to corporate high brow gigs, and everything in between.

06 Can't Stop

05 Better Days

04 Cold Black

03 Somewhere Out In California

Living on Faith

Brand New Dress

Movin' On (acous version)

**NEW FULL BAND ALBUM "Somewhere out in California" COMING SPRING 2019**
From Portland Maine to San Francisco California, Singer-Songwriter Chris James turns his life experience into song and takes you on a journey of the heart with his rich vocal style, lush chord changes and lyrical intensity. Regularly performing with his Americana band The Showdowns, the group lights up dance halls, bar, and clubs with a signature spirit of original alt-country rock n' roll.

Chris James & The Showdowns have released two full length albums with another one on the way, and songs from their records have been used in TV commercial promos and are still played in rotation on SIRIUS XM Radio as well as various FM stations throughout California and beyond. James has performed hundreds of live shows over the past few years on both coasts as a solo artist, as well as with The Showdowns.

In his early days, Chris James was a budding songwriter writing and performing acoustic songs at campfire outings, parties, and coffee houses in and around the Portland Maine area. Gaining confidence as a performer, he realized that he would have to look to larger cities to become more widely recognized and ventured to San Francisco with not much more than a guitar in tow. Shortly after arriving and weathering the culture shock he formed the rock band Small Change Romeos. After just a few years, the band had built a fairly large Bay Area following and were known for their diverse sound and eclectic but heartfelt songwriting, often ranging from alt rock to heavy country to reggae and blues. They continue to make music and release records...


Chris continues to perform and record regularly and has of late set himself in a producer and engineer role, working with other bands, as well as his own projects in the studio in order to get the 'magic on tape'.

--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (President of the San Francisco Recording Academy Chapter)

--"James is as captivating a performer as I have seen in some time. His songs are well crafted, his energy on stage is contagious, and the truth in his lyrics is undeniable.” -Ralph Graceffa (Singer Songwriter)

--"Chris is a singer-songwriter with an honest approach and style that really speaks to everyday people..." - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist for Michael Franti & Spearhead)