The Detonators are named after their explosive live performances. Their music is an enthusiastic and refreshing melting pot of Blues, R&B, Swing and Funk. This unique band features the great talent of James O'Hara, whose guitar playing, showmanship and voice have earned him enormous respect throughout the Blues scene.

Born 1970 in Yorkshire, James O'Hara is said to be the "nearest you'll get to the pure undiluted spirit of the blues this side of Chicago" (Leeds Guide). He began playing the blues guitar at the age of 15, influenced initially by such greats as BB King, Otis Rush and Freddie King. By the age of 18 O'Hara was already a part of the Liverpool Blues scene. Meeting Joe Louis Walker was a great influence on him and led to the formation of his own Blues band "The Detonators" in 1992.

After touring throughout the country the band was starting to draw large and enthusiastic audiences. In May 1995, at the Alexis Korner Memorial Concert, the band stood in following a cancellation by Georgie Fame. Indigo Records were there to record the event and after a short set the band were promptly signed. The result was the CD "Sneakin' Around". (IGOCD 2056) (click here to order)

Having played at most of the major festivals, meeting and playing with more blues legends on the way, the band are now an integral part of any blues event in Britain and in Europe, where they are taking off in a big way.

They have finally found time to record a new CD "Sheer Blues Covers" - a CD only available to promoters and record companies. A limited supply is now available by mail order from this site (see below) Their plans for 2002 include writing original material for a definitive CD, and preparing for European dates, major festivals and TV and radio appearances.

Still barely thirty, guitarist, singer and bandleader, James O'Hara has no equal when it comes to crafting original cliche-free Blues solos and arrangements. He has a gritty, unforced singing style that spans the whole of the Blues genre without having to strain for effect. He is hugely respected in the trade by Blues reviewers and musicians; and adored by his audiences. Most recently, his appearance with the Giantkillers at Colne, confirmed his status as a giant of the genre. He leads from the front, committed, and dedicated, with a natural sense of timing and an unerring instinct for the musical equivalent of le mot juste. Go see him.

Bob Jones 2003 in Blues in Britain Magazine

Born in 1970 he is the young, fresh face of the genre. Given the nature of the Blues it would be ludicrous to describe him as the future but he adds a young man's passion and enthusiasm to his music. He is the embodiment of if you're good enough, you're old enough ... and a throwback to the era of true bandleader, exhorting more, or at times less effort from individuals, and cutting off a song with a wave of his hand when they have extracted as much as the music can possibly give. He has played with the likes of Peter Green, Geno Washington, Lonnie Donegan, Chris Barber etc, it would be a fool who suggested he was not their equal. He teases and taunts his guitar to ever greater heights ... a man whose serious demeanour belies a dry acerbic wit.

Michael Mee 2002 in Blues Matters Magazine

• "A serious practitioner of the blues" - Yorkshire Post 

• "Seldom have I experienced the devotion and respect the guys attract with their no-nonsense R&B." - Norman Beaker

• "It's a case of what you hear is what you get and believe me you get a lot - he's a powerhouse of energy" - Glo Simons - Leeds Guide

• "This has got to be one of the most exciting and talented bands doing the blues circuit at the moment." - Warrington R&B Club

• "They restore your faith in young musicians" - Colin Cooper - The Climax Blues Band.