Press Release: Trip to Italy inspires debut album from songwriter Jim Byrne
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trip to Italy inspires debut album from songwriter Jim Byrne
After an Italian Road to Damascus experience in June this year, Glasgow songwriter Jim Byrne has been forging a new path as a solo artist and his album 'On these Dark Nights' will be launched on 12th December, at The Hidden Lane Cafe, Finnieston, Glasgow (6pm until 9pm).
The music has been described as "contemporary folk, alternative country and laconic, acoustic blues' - it includes new songs and a bonus track, written and performed with Vivian Scotston and Madalaine Hart in Italy.
Having played with various bands in Glasgow and Clydebank (Jim's hometown) including: Loris, The Hemingways, The Primevals and Dexter Slim and the Pickups, Jim has many years' experience playing in rock and pop bands. He also achieved some claim to fame as the person who gave Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand his first gig, when he established Glasgow's cult music venue, The Kazoo Club in the late 80's.
In May this year he was invited to participate in Chris Difford's songwriting workshop in Monestovole in Italy, where his enthusiasm for songwriting was reignited after spending a week writing and performing songs in the company of other artists including Mari Pellow, Linda Lewis, Vivian Scotston, Jan Biker and Madelaine Hart.
Since his return has had a wonderful time performing as an acoustic artist, playing his new songs at gigs, folk clubs and festivals around Scotland. His reception as a solo performer has been remarkable with reviews in Spiral Earth.co.uk and 100% successful track record of being invited back to each venue performed.
Quotes:
"Excellent! Jim is breath of fresh air amongst Glasgow's acoustic scene" Dochan MacMillan, Free Candy Sessions
"'His engaging lyrics and slick guitar puts Jim firmly on the performance circuit in Scotland. Worth looking out for." Erne Parkin, The Place Folk Club, Milngavie.
"Special mention should go to Jim Byrne and his laconic folk blues.." David Kushar, UK new Folk and Roots music (SpiralEarth.co.uk )
"...his accomplished guitar work, well crafted songs and sensitive singing were very well received." Pedie MacNeill, Colonsay Festival Organiser
"We were delighted to have Jim Byrne in our Festival Showcase and Music at the Cross Outdoor Stage. His highly innovative compositions were well received by our Festival-goers and we would certainly welcome him back" Murdie Kennedy, Organiser, Linlithgow Folk Festival
The positive feedback and constant requests for a CD encouraged him to put together this album, where both new and old friends have brought their talents to the studio, making this a unique recording. Mick West, recently nominated for the award of Scottish Traditional Singer 2008, sings backing vocals on two of the tracks and Geoff Martyn, another graduate of Monestovole, was keen to participate in the project, playing Wurlitzer on one of the tracks and recording some of the album tracks at his own studio.
Long time musical buddies also got in on the act and two other Clydebank fellows, Robert Ruthven and Peter Byrne, Jim's brother, lent their considerable musical talents to the venture as did Graham MacIntosh, who's much in demand as a guitarist.
Jim has a busy schedule lined up for 2009 commencing with the New Year Hooley at The Liquid Ship, gigs with Sound of the Suburbs Promotions in Glasgow's West End, and Paisley Art Centre. Europe also beckons and he's been invited to perform at venues in Ireland, Germany and Holland so already looking good for the year ahead.Hi-resolution photographs can be found on the website at
http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com
http://www.myspace.com/dexterslim
Tel 0141 334 1650
Jim Byrne, The Picture House, 4/2 1 Ascot Gate, Glasgow, G12 0AP
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