"Tape recorder" were the first words spoken by Tam Johnstone AKA The General Store. How apt. Born to singer, Diana and musician, Davey - full-time guitarist with Elton John since 1972 - Tam was born into music, grew up on music, and now continues as seemingly destined from the off - by making his own. And how. Starting by playing drums at the age of five when growing up in London, Tam picked up keyboards and guitar along the way, graduating through the school choir and orchestra and forming his first band. George Martin's AIR studios offered the teenage Tam gainful employment, where he passed the days making tea for rock legends, and discovering that £200 in sushi is best not heated in a microwave. By age 17, he was on the road for the first time in support to '80's Norwegian megastars Aha. Drumming for a succession of pure pop outfits followed, including mini cult the Green Tambourines and Warner Bros signings, Jaguar. During this time, Tam also became a "gun for hire", working with a wide range of musicians and artists and including Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Madonna), songwriter Cathy Dennis, Eagles singer Don Henley and Country music icon Tammy Wynette.   © 2009 The General Store © 2009 The General Store    In April 2000, Tam recorded his first album as The General Store. Inspired by Neil Young, The Byrds and The Beatles, ‘Local Honey’ (released by revered American power pop label, Not Lame in 2002) was recorded at home on a 4-track machine. Live shows in England and America followed, boasting an impressive band line-up featuring members of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, the Elton John band, and Badfinger. The follow-up, 'Mountain Rescue' (Brewery records) was released in 2008.  Tam has also fronted digital funk outfit, Glass Shark and has toured and recorded with French superstar, David Hallyday, former Rialto front man, Louis Eliot and British folk musician, Seth Lakeman. Tam is currently living in the United States, working with Fifty Amp Fuse. Tom Sheriff (updated December 2009) Tam's full recording credits here at tamjohnstone.com - The General Store live band - (because one is the loneliest number)   Bob Birch - bass guitar on US dates and mastering. Bob mastered 'Mountain Rescue' at his "world-famous" Masterdix studio in California. He has also produced and played bass with a wide range of artists including the Elton John band. Photo credit: www.guybabylonfan.net Website   Jim Bishop - lead guitar on UK dates. Jim has also worked with Cooleye, The Mother Machine and Luxury Condo. He lives in London and is responsible for introducing Tam to the music of Gene Clark and The Byrds. Fact! Photo credit: myspace.com/luxurycondo Website   Rebecca Carrington - bass guitar on US dates. Rebecca also plays in Carbondale Shafts with Wayne and Brian in Oneonta, upstate New York.   Wayne Carrington - drums on US dates. Wayne also plays in Carbondale Shafts with Brian and Rebecca in Oneonta, upstate New York.   Pete Cuthbert - drums on UK dates and 'Mountain Rescue.' Pete has also worked with Rialto and Co-Star. He lives in Australia. Website   Celine Dos Santos - keyboards and bass guitar on UK dates. Celine has also worked with singer/songwriter, Amy May. She lives in Exeter, England. Photo credit: Dickie Harrison Website   Louis Eliot - acoustic guitar and vocals on UK and US dates. Louis Eliot fronted British bands, Kinky Machine and Rialto and is now a successfull solo artist. He lives in Cornwall, England. Website   Jimmy Green - lead and acoustic guitars on UK dates and handclaps on 'Mountain Rescue.' Jimmy has also played guitar with The 25th Hour, Slightly Alien, Glass Shark (with Tam) and has composed music for television. He lives in Cornwall. Website   Davey Johnstone - lead guitar on US dates. Davey has also worked with Alice Cooper, The Pointer Sisters and has played guitar with Elton John since 1972. He lives in Los Angeles and also happens to be Tam's dad. Fact! Website   Jesse Johnstone - drums on UK and US dates. Jesse has also worked with Babies On Fire and is an excellent recording engineer based in Los Angeles and also happens to be Tam's brother. Fact!   Casey Martin - vocals on UK dates and 'Mountain Rescue.' Casey has also worked with Knights of the Old Skool, Take Over, Chuwy Beats and has appeared on Harry Hill and Eastenders. She has one of the most powerfull voices known to man. She lives in London and is Tam's cousin...or is she? Website   Rich Parrish - drums on UK dates. Rich played a couple of shows around the time when Julian and Pete were on tour with Rialto. A friend from Tam's old stomping ground of Brighton.   Jo Partridge - lead guitar on UK dates and lead guitar and backing vocals on 'Mountain Rescue.' Jo has also worked with David Essex, The Who, Kiki Dee, Buggles and on Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War Of The Worlds. He also happens to be Tam's uncle. Fact! Website   Jeff Ross - acoustic guitar and vocals on UK dates. Jeff has also worked with Badfinger, John Jorgensen (also with Tam) and former Rolling Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor. He lives in Los Angeles and has just released an excellent solo album. Website   Taca Sakai - bass and acoustic guitars on UK dates. Taca has also worked with Jamie Hartman, Carson and on his own project, Tacapop. Taca, where are you?   Julian Taylor - bass guitar and vocals on UK and US dates and 'Mountain Rescue.' Julian has also played with Starclub, Paint (also with Tam), Rialto and Wolfman & The Side Effects, co-writing their hit with Pete Doherty, 'For Lovers.' Website   Brian Wilkens - lead guitar on US dates. Brian also plays in Carbondale Shafts with Wayne and Rebecca Carrington in Oneonta, upstate New York.   Nick Zala - pedal steel & lead guitar ok UK dates and 'Mountain Rescue.' Nick has also worked with Mojave 3, The Loose Salute, McFly, Seafood and Frankie Miller. He lives in London. Website Thanks also to Paul Reeve, Diana Johnstone, Mike Silver, Kate Simpson, Rob Simpson and Ryan Griffiths for their performances on 'Mountain Rescue.'