FourTwenty a.m. is the debut album from Austin singer/songwriter James Rider and his band, The 420 Turnaround. James Rider has been rockin' Austin since his arrival 1997. He started at Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar where he held "acoustic court" every Monday, opening for Reckless Kelly.

For a brief stay, he moved his "court" to Ego's where he had the privilege to open for Dale Watson.

FourTwenty a.m. is unique in its style. The lyrics of his songs are life's experience. His perspective on life comes through his music with plenty of uptempo guitar and good vocal hooks.

They're songs you'll never be able to get out of your head. James Rider and The 420 Turnaround play acoustic-driven Americana. It's raw emotion. It's rockin. The lyrics stir many emotions. Give FourTwenty a.m. a listen and see what emotions stir within you.

A storyteller with a "tell-it-like-it-is" style, James Rider is a singer/songwriter of exceptional diversity. From bluesy wails, old Scottish folk songs to pure, good ol' rock n' roll, James takes us on a journey with every note.

Born in Shrevesport, LA, James Rider spent his childhood moving across the U.S. from California to Alabama and many points in between. After 11 years overseas as an Army brat in Germany, James embarked on his next journey - traveling back to the U.S. for schooling in the arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylavnia. While exploring the facets of visual art, James discovered a new medium - the guitar. It was from this point he began to learn to employ the paper and pen along with his desire to play. With the words came the music and with the music came the voice.

Influenced by artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Iron Maiden to Charlie Parker to Neil Young, James' music took winding turns. In Austin, James found he could have the creative freedom and support he needed. Since 1997, James Rider has played solo acoustic, opening for such well-known Austin musicians as Reckless Kelly, the Cadillac Voodoo Choir, and Dale Watson.

After playing solo acoustic for two years, James wanted to feel the chemistry of playing with a full band. The 420 Turnaround was finally conceived in March 1999. Doug Walseth lends his hand with acoustic and electric guitars, embellsihing the lyrics with solos and hooks, while drummer Daniel Jones and bassist Darren Sluyter ensure a fiery backbeat. Opening for the likes of Guy Forsyth, Dick Dale & The Deltones, Reckless Kelly, Lou Ann Barton & The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Paladins, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Slobberbone among others, the Turnaround have established themselves amongst their peers. Even Austin blues legend, Clifford Antone recognized James Rider as "an excellent singer!" after hearing him perform with Reckless Kelly one evening at Antone's Night Club.

James Rider and The 420 Turnaround have a new song called "Hit the Highway" on the new compilation CD from Dusty Records in Sweden. The CD is called, Rockin' At The Barn Vol. 3, and is being distributed through Red Eye Distribution.

You can contact James Rider through his management at no9mngmt@enter.net. Visit his Web site at 420turnaround.