J.P. McDermott and Western Bop are a red-hot trio playing rockabilly and old-style rock and roll out of Southern California, USA. Led by the powerful vocals and hot guitar of J.P. McDermott, their sound is fresh and vital and rockin’. Says J.P., “We love and respect the artists that came before us, but these aren’t museum pieces – if you’re going to play this music you have to find a way have to make it your own”.
The New EP  is  “Lucky Stars”.  Something magical happens when a band is hitting on all cylinders.  When live music started to come back in 2021, the pent-up rush born of gig deprivation kicked in, (along with benefit of a lot woodshedding on the Telecaster). “I knew it was time to record”, said J.P., “the band and the crowds were all having a ball”. In short order these four rocking tunes were ready for your listening pleasure.

Rock - A - Bye Rock

(Still The) Last Fool Here

Lucky Stars '22

Long Beach Stomp

A blast of pure power pop from the forthcoming album "Wish I Could See You" by The Item.  Recorded in the early 80s and unreleased until now.  Guitar-driven rock and roll at it's best!  The full album drops December 1, 2022.

Mr. Who Missed Her

J.P. McDermott has been singing most of his life; you could hear him in everything from choirs to musicals to skinny-tie New Wave bands.  But he’s most passionate when he takes the mic for some rockabilly, a good shuffle, or a big Roy Orbison ballad.  Born in Washington DC, J.P. was named the Country Vocalist of the Year several times by the Washington Area Music Association before moving out to California about 10 years back. With countless nights playing barrooms, beer joints, and concerts all over the U.S. and Europe, J.P. knows when to rock, and he knows when to roll. 
“I have a deep and abiding love for Buddy Holly’s music; it’s at the heart of everything I do”, says J.P.   He established a popular annual celebration of Buddy's life and music that’s been running for 20 years now; has lectured on the topic at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, and performed at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock TX on what would have been Buddy's 75th birthday.

JP McDermott

Popular tracks