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James Black Brings More than "One Thing" to Finger Eleven with Yamaha Guitars
Press Release
2004-10-07

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Canadian rockers Finger Eleven are back after a nearly three-year recording hiatus, delivering a mix of metal crushers and mature, melodic guitar work – along with a chart-topping single. Finger Eleven, their self-titled album (Wind-Up) has spawned the hit "One Thing," which has charted in both the USA Top 40 and Muchmusic Top 30, and recently garnered Number One on Billboard’s "Heat Seekers" chart.

Guitarist James Black, recently signed as an artist with Yamaha Guitars, plays a variety of electric models, including the classic AES820 and AES820D6, PAC1511MS and the new AES720. Black also does much of the artwork for Finger Eleven’s albums and materials.

"Each of the guitars that I play has its own distinct sound and feel, but they all have something in common – they’re comfortable and they sound great," says Black. "And after pounding on them for months and soaking them with sweat every night, they still work!"

Formed in the Toronto suburb of Burlington, Ontario, the members of Finger Eleven came together in high school, playing in various rock and funk bands. Original members included James Black and Rick Jackett on guitars, vocalist Scott Anderson, bassist Sean Anderson and drummer Rob Gommerman.

Calling themselves the Rainbow Butt Monkeys, the group won a radio band search contest and used the prize money to record their debut, Letters From Chutney (Mercury). Rich Beddoe replaced Gommerman at the drums, and the band changed its name to Finger Eleven, releasing the CD Tip in 1997 and The Greyest of Blue Skies in 2000.

The band has maintained a nearly non-stop touring schedule throughout 2003 and 2004, co-headlining with Ozzy Osbourne, Puddle of Mudd, Nickelback and a number of festival dates.

Visit the band's site, www.fingerpickingood.com for more information.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone 714-522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.