The Thomas James Band

Bio

Emerging in mid 2025 from Phoenix, Arizona, The Thomas James Band delivers a high-energy blend of desert rock grit, rockabilly swagger, and rock-country soul. They quickly became an exciting new act on the local, original music scene to include being the grand prize winners of the 2025 98 KUPD Playdio Battle of the Bands competition!

With energy-filled performance and backstories to their songs, their shows are raw emotion with authentic heartfelt music. TJB is cookin' country with old time rock & roll, a little bit of blues and a whole lotta soul!

Front and center, Thomas James on guitars and vocals, a veteran of the rock scene and a gifted songwriter whose work blends storytelling with great guitar work. Over the years, TJ has powered bands such as Time, Digger, and The Crush, each one adding new layers to his writing, style, and stage presence. His songs have swagger and grit with melodies that stick in your mind long after the last chord rings.

Alongside him is Tommy D (De Poy) on rhythm and lead guitar (affectionately referred to as Mosiphus). Tommy D's roots trace back to playing with future Metallica bassist Jason Newsted as a teenager in his hometown of Niles, Michigan. Over the years, Tommy D has performed with a diverse roster of bands including Diamond, Vertical Smile, Fortress, Sticky Fingers, Z, NoBody BIG, and others—each project sharpening his melodic guitar hooks.

On drums is Jeremy Rodgers, a versatile player whose style blends rock power with jazz finesse. Formerly with Sans Moi, Jeremy has performed with an impressive list of artists including Barton Godfrey, Jimmie George, Thano Sahnas, and Demitri Sahnas, bringing a seasoned, dynamic energy to every performance.

Holding down the low end for TJB, blending his deep musical roots with modern energy is Michael Morris. Michael is a seasoned bassist and founding member of the iconic Arizona cover band Jaded Jukebox. Over the years, he has brought his groove and versatility to numerous projects, including Let’s Just Play, Taking Liberty, Generation Hex, and Velvet Crush. He also stepped into the progressive realm as Justin Chancellor in Aperfectool, a tribute to Tool and A Perfect Circle. Michael has been influenced by a mix of genres—the soulful lines of Motown legend James Jamerson, the technical brilliance of Geddy Lee, the atmospheric textures of Colin Greenwood (Radiohead), and the driving force of players like Robert DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots). Michael is the final ingredient to the musical mix of The Thomas James Band.

While their two released EP's Let’s Hit the Road and It Ain't Right capture the vibe and spirit of the band, their live shows soar with a fun-filled engaging experience of high energy and foot-stomping melodies. Their influences range from Elvis, CCR, Chris Isaak to Sturgill Simpson and more. The Thomas James Band carries forward a mix of American rock tradition with a modern, desert country, cinematic edge.