Born July 29, 1973 at Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington State, James Otto’s love of music started at the early age of 2 and grew while learning to play the violin and saxophone and eventually getting his first guitar on his 13th birthday.  James fell in love with  music legendary artists like Ray Charles, Conway Twitty and the one he Idolizes the most, Ronnie Milsap.  These legendary performers have had a profound affect on James’ and his music, especially Ronnie Milsap who’s influence you can hear across this album and in “Good Things Gone Bad“  which James duets with Ronnie.

Country Soul is at the heart of James Otto.  James has always wanted to make a country soul album, frankly it was his biggest dream right beside being able to play and or sing with Ronnie Milsap which comes true on this incredible album.

“Shake What God Gave Ya” starts off with ” Are Ya With Me” to which we know every Otto-maniac has been dying for this album to come out, and yes they and the rest of country music is with him on this highly upbeat song about someone looking for someone to call their own and not being alone in this world and finding his love that will spend the rest of her life with him.  Next comes the single release of “Groovy Little Summer Song” was very appropriate for release this past summer.  Groovy Little Summer Song is just what it says it is, a great party down at the lake or beach song, hanging with close friends and forgetting about the world and having fun and grooving.  The guitar in “Lover Man” really makes this song.  His desire to show his love and affection to a beautiful woman as we all would like to do and sometimes doesn’t know how to is a great song that is a lot of fun.  Track 4  ” Soldiers And Jesus” is my favorite, if you remember the song “In Color” written by James and Jamey Johnson how a young boy asks his grandfather about his pictures from the war and the Grandfather tells him how you should have been there to see it for real or as he puts in the song In Color.  This song is incredible, it is going to be the next single released off this album and really should have been the first.  Anyone that has a family member or friend in the Military will really appreciate the depth of this song and how ittouches your soul.  Soldiers and Jesus really make you stop and think about the things you have and what the cost was to give you the freedoms you have and be able to practice your religion.  We all call to God at some point in our lives for what ever reason and he is always there just like our Soldiers are to protect our country and ensure the freedoms we have.  Remember, when ever you see a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Air Force personnel,  stop and shake their hand and thank them for the sacrifices they make and remember to thank their family, because they sacrifice just as much but in a different way.  “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” is a tremendous song.  James really lets is all out on this one, his heartfelt feelings let you know that no matter what happens or does not happen it’s okay because love really is free and no matter what you have or don’t have, it’s not going to matter as long as you have love, you have everything.  “Sun Comes’ Round Again“  shows James deep soul sound and how he wants to love all the time and show how much he loves her.  “Shake What God Gave Ya” is a full filled dancing song about cutting loose and having a great time.  “It’s A Good Time (For A Good Time) is a perfect song for the times.  Talking about raining a lot like it has throughout this country and how the world goes to hell in a bucket and the economy is sucking and people are out of work.  James just wants you to forget about your struggles and have a party and enjoy what you have, not what you don’t have.  At anytime at anyof James’ shows he lets it all out just to ensure that everyone is having a good time and letting loose.  “Just Like Sunshine“, what can I say about this awesome love song.  James must have been thinking about his wife when he wrote and sang this song.  The love he expresses in this song is just plain awesome.  When anyone hears this they will thing about their significant other and smile and bob their head up and down and agree with James on this one.  This song is a huge winner.  “Let’s Just Let Go” has to be the saddest love song I have ever heard, it is so sad it makes you feel bad for him and you just want to tell him its OK and things will get better no matter how bad you feel .  James’ vocals are at his best in this song, the smokey soulful sound is constant and just grabs you and makes you believe it is him that is going through this pain of losing the love of his life.  “She Comes To Me” what can I say, Mr. Soul lets it all out on this one, and the music is incredible with what sounds like an orchestra behind him really makes this song.  “Good Things Gone Bad” a duet with his idol Ronnie Milsap is a great fun filled love song about someone stepping out on his girl and how someone else stepped in and gave her what she needed and cut him loose and he could not believe that she left him.  At times it is really hard to tell if it is James or Ronnie singing.  They sound incredible together.

This album is one of the best country soul albums to hit the air waves in years.  James Otto is really taking his talents and just letting them go and having fun.  James shows why he is Mr. Soul, with his smokey soulful sound and the great musicians he is playing with are a great compliment.  I see awards in the future for James on this album and his Duet with Ronnie Milsap.  You will not be disappointed when you hear this album.