AUBURN – Veteran blues harmonica master and songwriter James Montgomery will bring his award-winning talents to the Midnight Blues Club March 6, as part of the club’s 2005 Sunday Night Blues Series.

In 1970, Montgomery formed his own band while attending Boston University. With his unique harmonica style and energetic live shows, the group quickly rose to the top of New England’s music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery Band was among the hottest acts in Boston, along with J. Geils and Aerosmith.

Montgomery signed with Capricorn Records shortly thereafter and has recorded six albums. His first, “First Time Out,” has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include “James Montgomery Band” on Island Records, an album that reached No. 9 on Billboard’s national playlist; “Duck Fever,” with members of the David Letterman Band; “Live Trax” with the Uptown Horns (of Rolling Stones fame); and his release on Tone-Cool Records titled “The Oven is On.”

Montgomery has toured with such stars as the Allman Brothers Band, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King. He met up with Alex Taylor in the 1980s and started the East Coast Funkbusters, a combination that eventually led to an invitation to play harmonica with the Blues Brothers on a tour of Texas.

Montgomery continued to spread the blues gospel in the 1990s, touring with his band and hosting a syndicated radio show called “Backstage with the Blues.” The show featured interviews with blues legends like Koko Taylor and Dr. John, as well as newer artists like Keb Mo and Rod Piazza. Montgomery also received a Gold Record in the 1990s for his recording with Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker.

In 2001, Montgomery released an 11-track CD titled “Bring it on Home,” which earned a nomination for Comeback Album of the Year at the W.C. Handy Awards. The songs “Wedding Ring,” “Junior’s Jump” and “Back on my Knees Again” were written by Montgomery and are prime examples of his passion for life and the musicians who influenced his musical style.

Montgomery has teamed up with blues legend Johnny Winter for an extensive tour of the United States and Europe. The blending of Montgomery and Winter on stage has been called one of the most dynamic shows in live blues.