About JZB



James Montgomery Baker aka James Zota Baker was born in Inglewood, California and was raised in Santa Monica, CA. At the tender age of two, James had 3 open heart surgeries and believes that's when his passion and love for life and music began. During his 7 month stay at Children's Hospital, his Mom was by his side every day and when the rest of the family would visit, his Grandpa would bring a record player and play Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. James loved this and with a little help would stand and dance, doing the chicken.

After admiring his brother playing the guitar and being inspired by his taste in music (The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix) James started playing guitar around the age of 12. He was also very much drawn to the harmony and melodies he heard when his sister played the Piano.

In his High School Jazz Band at Samohi, James would win a most improved trophy and had the honor of winning best soloist in a regional Jazz Ensemble competition. After High School, James studied Jazz and Classical Guitar as well as Harmony and Theory at Santa Monica College and then went on to study with some of the best guitar players on the planet, including Robben Ford, Tommy Tedesco, Joe Pass, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson and Jeff Richman to name a few and Graduated Musicians Institute in 1985.

In 1985, James joined the renowned South American band Arco Iris. In the 1970's, the band revolutionized "World Music" as we know it today. In the 80's Arco Iris moved to the United States from Argentina and again began to change the landscape of modern instrumental music. Through the years, James has brought his flavor of Guitar Playing and Songwriting to several Arco Iris albums and has toured the U.S. and South America with them. 30 years later James remains a member of Arco Iris and continues to play live shows with the band.

From 1998 to 2002 James toured the world with the legendary band WAR and shared the stage with such acts as: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bonnie Raitt, Tower of Power, Toto, Average White Band, Joan Jett, Natalie Cole, Lou Rawls, Doobie Brothers, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind and Fire, Parliment, Los Lobos, Men At Work, David Lee Roth, Robin Trower, The Isley Brother, Buddy Guy, Chic, Nile Rodgers, Jethro Tull, Motorhead, Cheap Trick, Morris Day and the Time, Perry Farrell Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock, as well as doing numerous radio shows and television appearances.

In 2008 James co-wrote and played guitar on Edgar Winter's CD "Rebel Road" (Sony Red) Featuring Slash, Clint Black and Johnny Winter as well as great musicians Abe Laboriel Jr., Matt Bissonette, Gary Novak, Doug Rappoport, Matt Laug and many others.

In 2013, James released his solo record "Better Than Never" (Zota Records) featuring such artists as Lonnie Jordan (WAR) Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones) and more.

2017 - JZB recorded songs for his new album, played live with "The JZB Band", was busy doing session work & toured with WAR for the first time time in 15 years playing Tokyo, Japan and Las Vegas.

2021 - JZB released his second solo album "Brand New Eyes"

Available Now on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and more



2023 - JZB has returned as the full time guitarist for WAR.

Check his News & Shows page for a WAR concert or a JZB show near you.



JZB Balalaika