Hello Everyone:
Not too long ago we opened the door* and sent Jim Armstrong’s Junction Road out into the world. Now here come the postcards and love letters in ever-increasing numbers and we couldn’t be more pleased.
Uncle Shag and The Longtown Sound over at WLSO.FM continue in their unwavering support playing Jim’s One Day At A Time on Pancake Wednesday Flour Power Hour episode #1068 and Foolish Crime on Weekend Power Hour episode#1069. Says Uncle Shag: “This is Jim Armstrong at his rocking “Boss” best, in “One Day At A Time”. Loving the CD Junction Road”. Oh, and this just in – Jim’s When I Kiss You is on Longtown Sound’s Weekend Edition episode #1072.
On You Can’t Make It Up (and we didn’t – it’s true!) discerning radio hosts, Americans Ken and Ken featured Jim Armstrong’s Dollars In His Wallet and Worn Out Shoes on episode #125 Classy Cabbies. This is a wonderfully funny show and we’re now big fans. The 2 Kens (check out their impressive “about” page) also host a monthly in-depth interview with a featured musical guest on their other show, Club Indie. Jim was interviewed for a forthcoming Club Indie episode and we’ll keep you apprised of the broadcast date (looks like February!)
Canada’s John Vermilyea of Blues Underground Network gives Jim Armstrong and Junction Road 5***** in this fantastic review. Here are a few choice snippets: “The first 3 tracks off “Junction Rd.” will no doubt yank you off your seat and pull you up to the dance floor, from there on the spell that is Jim Armstrong’s music will have already captivated you and any chance of retreat, will not only be futile, but it will also be unwanted. As you travel on through “Junction Rd.”, you will steadily gain a profound appreciation, not only for the immense musical talent displayed on this album, but also for the immense lyrical talent which Jim Armstrong possesses. You will be taken through life’s highest highs and lowest lows, with the over riding theme being one’s ability to adapt and triumph in the end…I highly recommend “Junction Rd.”…5*****.”
Says Joe Chisholm of Canada’s IndieCan Radio: “Junction Road is a transporter ride from the front porch, to behind the wheel of the car, to a time long, long ago, to afternoon tea, to a date with your own conscience. It’s a well written Americana meets Rock ‘n’ Roll ride from start to finish.”
From The Netherlands comes this great review (the link takes you to the original review in Dutch. For some truly hilarious fun, try using an online language translator!) However, thanks to Stephen Cohrs of Trinity Tube Amps we were able to have a few of his Dutch speaking customers finesse the English translation. For the full version** see the bottom of this email. Here’s a quote:
Johan Schoenmakers, AltCountryForum.nl: “The style of “Junction Road is a crossover between old country music, Americana and Altcountry. It is a fine album with one good tune after another…In short: Strong and catchy songs, fine musicians and a beautiful production – “Junction Road” by Jim Armstrong has it all.”
And finally we now have a new Jim Armstrong Reverbnation fanpage. Or if you prefer – Facebook, CBC Radio 3, OurStage and Myspace. Junction Road can be purchased on iTunes or CD Baby.
Next Show: Thursday, February 17th at The Cadillac Lounge – An early one as it’s a “school night” 8:30-11:00pm
*I refrained from punning “floodgates” – you’re welcome 😉
Thanks for your time!
**full English translated review below…
** The journey of life, from birth to death, is a very personal experience. For one it might be a breeze, someone else might run into bad luck often. Gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and Canadian Jim Armstrong has been tormented by life. As a child he survived encephalitis followed by years of epileptic seizures and brain surgery. To make matters worse, a forklift permanently damaged all the fingers of his left hand. After this unfortunate accident he had to learn to play the guitar all over again.
On Jim’s new CD “Junction Road”, which was released in the last week of 2010, he takes credit for not only all the songwriting and vocals but also much of the electric guitar, mandolin and keyboards. He´s backed up by Alvin Lapp (drums), Jeff Beauchamp (bass guitar and upright bass), Kenji Miura (electric guitar) and Phil Manning (Hammond B3).
The style of “Junction Road” is a crossover between old country music, Americana and Altcountry. It is a very nice album with one good tune after another. Catchy rhythms and familiar melodies – a delightful twang record. That relaxed style, pleasant mood and Jim´s vocals work perfectly on this album.
With a nagging hammond organ (Sanctify), and some chilli peppers between the guitar strings for some intense playing (Dollars In His Wallet), the listener is completely and unconditionally taken in by the looseness of the songs. Songs like “One Day At A Time”, and “David and Jenny” are tight and uncomplicated with high “Sing-Along” potential. They have only one goal: to make you bounce up from the couch, invite all your friends, and then rock out to this captivating music with the whole gang. Indestructible Americana.
The most obvious criticism is of course the fact that “Junction Road” sounds very solid and reliable, not necessarily ground breaking. But there is nothing wrong with that and this isn’t to be taken negatively in the case of Jim Armstrong.
In short: Strong and catchy songs, great musicians and a very beautiful production – “Junction Road” by Jim Armstrong has it all.
