James, JimmyBlue Moon Rising2001 -independentJJ-02-01

James, Jimmy - Blue Moon Rising - 2001 -independent - JJ-02-01

Written by Calvin Daniels

Well the first thing I did when Blue Moon Rising arrived in my mailbox was head to my favourite stomping grounds - the Internet - to learn a bit more about Jimmy James. Let me tell you, between Jimmy and James there are a lot of guys connected to music and the blues when you do a search.

As for finding material on this particular Jimmy James, a Montreal-based blues guitarist, it's a bit more of a daunting task. Generally, what I did find was in French and was of limited help. (A general comment to artists - do a web page! In this day and age it's cheap international advertising.)

In the case of James, he should want to get word out on himself. His 2001 release, Blue Moon Rising, is a compelling CD worthy of exposure. All 10 cuts on this release were written by James, who also recorded and produced the effort in The Garage. The recording is smoothly put together with a basic appeal that feels good to a listener.

James' strength, not surprisingly, is his guitar work though it is interesting to note his father was a jazz drummer. Whatever drew James to the guitar, and whoever inspired him how to play may not be widely known, but after one listen to this guy, you'll be glad it happened. And the jazz influences are certainly evident on a number of songs.

James is ably accompanied on Blue Moon Rising by Cliff Gelfand on bass and David Devine on drums. The trio blends nicely. Musically James covers the bases, from the upbeat Thank You with its simple lyrics, to Slow Blues, a grinding effort that encapsulates a standard vision of the heartfelt sound of the blues.

James writes effective lyrics and has a voice well-suited to the genre. It's not easy to pick a favourite tune among the 10, although the instrumental H2O is noteworthy. However, the good news is it's equally difficult to identify any track that should have been left on the garage floor.

This is solid, guitar-driven music that is definitely worth a listen… more than once!

Copyright 2004. Review by Calvin Daniels.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

WHAT'S NEW

Sponsored Links

SPONSORED LINKS

POLLS

SYNDICATE