| Discography |
| Jim�s four CDs are as different from each other as can be, yet they all are examples of his superb songwriting and composing abilities. |
| Gypsy is reminiscent of a trad CD although the songs are all originals � �New Trad,� as Jim likes to call them. Gypsy is the album that first captured me, recommended by Great Big Sea at several shows I had attended in and around Philadelphia in 1998. Gypsy�s songs and tunes weave a story about Newfoundland that those uninitiated in the history might dismiss as a nice story. In truth, the tale expertly woven by Jim is sadly true. England�s first possession in the New World, Newfoundland fought for her independence, got it and lost it, and almost got it again. But in 1949, in a controversial election, her citizens voted not for independence, but for Confederation with Canada. |
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| The poor, but strong-hearted province struggled to make a successful go at being a �have� province to no avail. In 1991 the fishery was closed by the federal government, and tens of thousands of fishermen lost their sole means of supporting their families. It was thought that a 10-year limit on the fishery would be enough to bring back the cod stocks. This was not the case and as of 2004, the fishery is closed still. Because so much of the Island�s economy was tied up to the fishery, thousands of Newfoundlanders found themselves living all over the world as economic refugees.
Gypsy is the story of the history of Newfoundland and its struggle to keep its most precious resource � its children. Bonus is the instumental version of Song of the Gypsy. Sing along, it's great fun! In Jim's own words: My first album, "GYPSY" was released at the end of 1995; ten years ago. Boy, where does the time go? At the time, I was 30 years old. I really wanted the album to be something that I could give to people while I could. I really wanted it to be my gift to Newfoundland, and a bit of a calling card for those who may not have ever visited or even heard of Newfoundland before. The feedback, over the years since, has convinced me that it wasn't a total lost cause. Some of the stories I've heard about how the music has effected people's lives. Some of the stories have been very moving, sometimes, and have given Lillian and me a great sense of satisfaction. I think we made a few Newfoundlanders proud, turned a few people on to Newfoundland and did our part to dispel the "GOOFIE NEWFIE" thing. What a load of shite that all is... |
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| Friendly Fire continues the journey of Newfoundland�s struggle for identity and economic independence. It examines the things that are positive and worth knowing about Newfoundland, as well as chiding those trying to shoot themselves in the foot. The journey begins with a friendly fire, beckoning you welcome. Or is it a welcome? "Friendly Fire " can also signify the act of killing someone from your own side. |
| Friendly Fire works on several levels. Through the years many money-making and industrial schemes have been proposed and failed. Natural Resources have been dealt away in the name of political deals and the good of the country. The distribution of profits from the oil resources offshore, mainly the field served by the Hibernia Platform, are currently in dispute. If you want a sense of the issues, diverse influences and hopes and dreams, listen carefully to the CD. Jim presents it all in music and lyrics. As in Gypsy, there is an instrumental track at the end to do your karoake - It's Friendly Fire. |
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| Musaik, a group formed by Jim with Thierry Artur and Lek Halili from the island of St. Pierre, released an album in 2003 - In This World. Truly World Music, it brings together musical influences in an eclectic mix that works. Born in an affort to encourage tolerance and cross-cultural respect, the CD blends together seamlessly, North African Raai, Reggae and Celtic music with some French thrown in just for the heck of it. Cairo Street reappears from Friendly Fire in the guise of Welcome Back To Cairo Street, a jazzed up version of my favorite track. |
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| The most surprising thing about this album, however is the way Jim combines the diverse musical influences in a way that makes perfect sense. Who else would have thought to combine jazz and reggae with North African raai and celtic influences? Even though many of the songs are in Arabic, the intent of the song remains evident. Salama was nominated for a 2003 East Coast Music Award. Salem and Salama both address the issue of peace. Two remixed songs from Jim's Pressure Drop days find their way onto the CD as well, the reggae blending well with the other sounds. |
| Midnight Rover arrived next and absolutely did not disappoint. Jim tells us: This album, for me now, is a similar idea to "GYPSY". I really want people to slow down, take some time and let the music seep in. It's full of colour and lots of visuals. Yes, I'm saying when you listen to the music, You will see things in your mind. It may sound half nutbar, but give it a go. You may be surprised. |
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| My thoughts? Well, I can tell you where this album is going! Straight into the CD player never to leave again. Jim's covers of Ger Wolfe's Curra Road, Sting's Field's of Gold and someone's Avalon stand equally with his originals. Jim includes some haunting instrumentals in the mix, one of which is named for his lovely wife, Lillian - Lillian, A Portrait in Sound. His whistle work is superb in this album as well as the intricate guitar work. This album's title song is a fun mix-up. Picture Jim's original lyrics reminiscent of The WIld Rover, set to the tune of the Newfoundland traditional song, Harbour LeCou, wrapped up in his signature mix of melodic instruments. Voila! The instrumental version is the finale, great for karaoke! Buy it, you'll love it! |
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| In any case, I'm just saying that I want this album to be my gift, Much like
"Gypsy". The difference, this time, is that instead of being 30, and aware
of my mortality, I'm now turning 40 and quite aware of my immortality.
I'm not so much thinking about having an album outlive me, I'm planning on
outliving it. <g>
I can't say I know where I'm going, when I get to the big station, but I'm booking a ticket, well in advance. |
| And now he's in studio working on a reggae album! Can't wait till it makes it's debut! |