Artist description Jim Gary is a versatile and prolific songwriter who released his first full-length CD "Midnight Muse" in the fall of 1996. He was a finalist in Kerrville's New Folk in Texas and his songs have appeared on Public Radio's "A Mixed Bag". Nashville's Bluebird Cafe has invited Jim down for several invitation-only Sunday Writers Nights. Jim's charming wit and musical talent make his entertaining live performances a must see, his vocal abilities can best be appreciated on melodic ballads. Michael Smith, Chicago's most celebrated songwriter, speaks of "Dancer's Dream" -- "the song is a good song, good melody and a nice handling of imagery". Jim has opened for Carrie Newcomer, Josh White Jr, Anne Hills and has performed in concert with Tricia Alexander, James Durst, Allen Damron, and the late Bob Gibson. Jim is currently living in the Chicago area and tours the Midwest while finishing the release of his second full-length CD!

Music Style Folk

Musical Influences Michael Smith, Josh White Jr., Don McLean

Similar Artists John Denver, Jim Croce, Livingston Taylor

Artist History Jim started writing and performing his music as a college student at Michigan State University. Upon graduating, he pursued his first love of music and moved to the city of Chicago where he could gain a wider audience and more venues.

Group Members Jim Gary - Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals. Personnel featured on the "Midnight Muse" Album: Doug Lofstrom - Acoustic & electric bass; Brian Anderson - Keyboard, synth strings, synth bells; Sarah Allen - Drums & percussion; Mark Dvorak - Banjo; Don Stiernberg - Mandolin; John Williams - Concertina & Accordion; Vernon Tonges - Pedal Steel; Sara Wollan - Cello; Victor Sanders - Electric Guitar; Susan Smentek - Background vocal on "Dancer's Dream"; Tricia Alexander - Angel voice on "Christmas Cookie Song"; Diana Laffey - Angel voice on "Christmas Cookie Song"

Instruments Acoustic Guitar, High String Guitar

Albums Midnight Muse

Press Reviews Following one's dream, doggedly pursuing one's calling rather than what society dictates as the route to take, is the primary theme of Jim Gary's release "Midnight Muse." Although Gary also certainly ventures into other subject areas, three of his cuts "Go With the Flow", "Afraid to Fly", and "Winds of Fortune" repeatedly cover this premise of taking the path most true to oneself. "Go With the Flow" has a high energy rhythm to it while "Afraid to Fly" is tenderly elevated by Sara Wollan on cello. "Winds of Fortune" is similarly uplifted by Brian Anderson's keyboard play. In a bit of contrast, Gary provides balance to his anthems with "Approaching Summer", an analogy about the continued pursuit of the dreams and opportunities of youth as time continues on its unrelenting march ever forward. With "autumn in the air", everyone else is moving on with their lives while he has but "a pocketful of songs" to show for his endeavors. The banjo driven "Dancer's Dream" sweetly portrays a crusty sailor leaving this world as he would wish, in pursuit of an illusory mermaid, so to speak. John Williams on accordion adds a maritime sound and feel to this tune, the best on this release. "Political Waltz" indicts the games played by politicos, deriding the blaming and pointing of fingers for strategic advantage. The focus on posing and positioning rather than problem-solving is wearying the public, creating a question of the viability of the nation's institutions. Gary suggests that "none of the above" may be the way to vote. The writer's lament is nicely depicted in "Midnight Muse." A line, a lyric, an idea bubbles up from the unconscious during the beginning of sleep and evolves into an insistent monkey-on-the-back that can only be resolved by getting up and writing it down. Unfortunately, most of the time, the late night efforts usually prove either less than scintillating or completely undecipherable come morning. "Rings Around the Moon" and "Mama's Cheatin'" provide humor to the mix. Gary shows a knack for clever touches with his lyrics and encases them in a variety of musical settings, utilizing guitar, keyboards, banjo, mandolin and cello to provide a diversity of sound throughout the release. This is a very solid first release from a promising singer-songwriter. Track List: * Go with the Flow (2:34) * Rings Around The Moon (3:44) * Girl in the Gossamer Gown (3:54) * Afraid to Fly (3:55) * Mama's Cheatin' (2:51) * Midnight Muse (4:49) * Winds of Fortune (4:26) * Political Waltz (3:44) * Dancer's Dream (3:52) * When I Sing (3:56) * Approaching Summer (3:36) * Christmas Cookie Song (3:03) All songs by Jim Gary. This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 10/99 http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html Celtic & Folk Music Reviews mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com Please read the "Disclaimer" on my web site for information about using, quoting, or reprinting this CD review.

Additional Info Purchase CDs: 1-888-JIM-GARY

Location Elmhurst, IL - USA

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