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November 30, 2009
Can't believe December is just about here and 2009 is almost at an end. It has been a tough year for many and a really difficult year for Jim Armstrong in particular. It has also been a time filled with wonderful people, special moments and fabulous musical endeavours here at Sonic Deli Records.
Jim's new album, the slightly delayed but highly anticipated, Junction Road is worth the wait! Multi-instrumentalist Jim suffered a permanent injury to his left-hand fingers last December and it has been a year of overcoming adversity. Not only has Jim lived with epilepsy for most of his life, he must now adapt to living life and playing music with one good hand. All has been made possible with the help of his medical/legal team and the wonderful people at Epilepsy Toronto and of course by his incredible (and incredibly patient) band members; Alvin Lapp, Jeff Beauchamp, Val Oddo and guest musicians Kenji Miura and Phil Manning. Without them and without the support of you - our fans, friends and family members - we could not do what we love to do - thank you!
So for those of you in the Toronto area who would love to hear some great live music from Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band, please join us Saturday, December 5th at the C'est What? - 67 Front Street E (@ Church). Jim and the boys will be sharing the stage with the very talented Little Birdie of Montreal and jamband, Electric Meat. Doors: 9:00pm Cover: $10
Hope to see you there!
September 14, 2009
Calling all fans and friends of Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band. Jim´s new album, the long-awaited JUNCTION ROAD is fast approaching release! Please join us on Friday, September 25, 2009 at The Cadillac Lounge, 1300 Queen Street West in Toronto and be part of the Live Performance Debut of the Music of Junction Road. This event is being filmed for the forthcoming simultaneous CD/DVD release.
Your audience participation is most appreciated. Grainne (backed by her full band) will open the evening followed by 2 complete performances of Junction Road by Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band.
WHO: Jim Armstrong and the Sonic Deli Band / Grainne
WHAT: Live Performance Debut of the Music of Junction Road
WHERE: Cadillac Lounge, 1300 Queen Street West, Toronto (416) 536-7717
WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2009
COST: $10.00
DOORS: 9:00 p.m.
LINKS:
www.myspace.com/jimarmstrongsonicdeliband
www.myspace.com/grainneryan
www.cadillaclounge.com
AND DON´T FORGET!
Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band will be performing September 19th & 20th at the 2009 RONCESVALLES POLISH FESTIVAL here in Toronto.
Saturday (19th) @ South Stage (Pearson & Roncesvalles)
- 4:00-5:00 pm / 6:15-7:15 pm
Sunday (20th) @ North Stage (Howard Park & Roncesvalles)
- 2:00-2:45 pm / 4:00-4:45 pm / 6:00-7:00 pm
Admission is FREE. Come on out (and have some pierogies too)!
July 16, 2009
Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band have been busy in the recording studio and will be back on stage for late summer beginning with 2 appearances at Toronto's Scotiabank BUSKERFEST in support of EPILEPSY TORONTO - August 27-30, 2009.
" Generally regarded as the last of the major festivals in the Toronto summer season, this year's BUSKERFEST anticipates well over 500,000 spectators, and will feature eight stages and an eclectic array of street performers from across Canada, the US, England, Australia, Hungary, Sweden, the Netherlands, Argentina and Japan. Come and witness comedians, contortionists, musicians, magicians, sword swallowers, fire jugglers, acrobats, aerial artists and a few other feats that no words can describe! ... Four days and four nights, noon 'till midnight, August 27th to the 30th, in the historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood - along Front Street, between Church and Jarvis."
*all scheduling is subject to change.
Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band
- Saturday, August 29th @ large stage - time: 11am - 2pm
- Sunday, August 30th @ street pitch - time/location: tba
September 19/20, 2009 Jim and band perform (on the 19th) at the annual POLISH STREET FESTIVAL (Roncesvalles Avenue from Howard Park to Queen Street West, near High Park in Toronto, Ontario) Festival runs all weekend - details tba.
Friday, September 25, 2009 The long anticipated CD RELEASE PARTY for Jim Armstrong´s new album, JUNCTION ROAD - 9:30PM @ Cadillac Lounge - 1296 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario - with the fabulous Grainne Ryan to open. More details to come...
Friday, October 16, 2009 @ THE MOONSHINE CAFE - 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, Ontario - 9:00pm. Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band headline w/ Grainne Ryan to open. This is the Oakville stop on Jim´s JUNCTION ROAD CD Release Party. Further details tba.
Jim Armstrong & Sonic Deli Band member, Alvin Lapp were in Fort Erie, Ontario in early April to lay down Alvin's drum tracks on Jim's forthcoming album, Junction Road. Here is Alvin on Jim's song, "Lost Again" (a-work-in-progress/ghost vocal) Alvin was Buddy Guy's touring drummer for 3 years and has also done tour support and studio work for such notables as The Jayhawks, Jackson Browne, the Goo Goo Dolls, Colin James... Thanks to Chris Curry of Sessions On The River for having one of the best live drum rooms in Canada and for a great recording experience and to Paul Brady for videotaping Alvin in action. Enjoy!
Jim Armstrong´s song Hole In His Heart (written and performed with Jennifer Claveau) was recently singled out as "notable" in a JWR film review of the American independent film, All Along.
March 19, 2009
SONIC DELI PRESENTS FOURTH ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT FOR EPILEPSY TORONTO - SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH, AT C´EST WHAT, 67 FRONT ST. EAST, DOORS AT 10:00 PM
TORONTO - FRIDAY, MAR 13TH 2009 - Sonic Deli Records presents the fourth annual benefit concert in support of Epilepsy Toronto. JIM ARMSTRONG AND THE SONIC DELI BAND will share the stage with SLEEPS SIX, on Saturday, March 28th at C´est What, 67 Front St. East. Doors at 10:00 pm and show starts at 10:30 pm. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance by calling Andrea at Sonic Deli (416) 535-5896 or Nicole at Epilepsy TO (416) 964-9095. All proceeds will benefit Epilepsy Toronto, www.epilepsytoronto.org
A non-profit community agency, Epilepsy Toronto is celebrating their 53rd Anniversary this March, during National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Independent record label, Sonic Deli Records and guest artists will show their support once again and help to bring that awareness to a wider audience with this fourth benefit concert.
THE ARTISTS:
The multi-faceted Jim Armstrong, who has had a life-long struggle with epilepsy himself, has had much success since Sonic Deli launched his solo debut Mudtown in May 2007, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Randy Bachman and Steve Earle. He has composed music for many independent feature and corporate films as well as television (including a song on episode nine of CBC´s prime time television series, MVP; The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives). Jim is currently finishing his new album, Junction Road, due for release this summer. Jim is backed by The Sonic Deli Band which includes Jeff Beauchamp (XMen, Vince Gill, Jason McCoy) on bass, drummer Alvin Lapp, (Buddy Guy, Goo Goo Dolls, The Jayhawks), and Phil Kane (Jeff Healey, Michael Buble), on lead guitar.
Sleeps Six was founded by singer-songwriter, Pauline Groen (keyboardist with The Tribe, among others). Pauline´s first album was 2002´s Nacre and the group´s second album; Late Enough is due out this year. Now wielding guitar in addition to keys, this powerful vocalist is joined on stage by band members Sev Micron on drums (Tulpa), lead guitarist Marc Ganetakos (Nelly Furtado) and Jim Field on bass (lead guitarist for Rhea´s Obsession).
WHO: Jim Armstrong and the Sonic Deli Band w/ Sleeps Six
WHAT: Fourth Annual Benefit Concert in support of Epilepsy Toronto
WHERE: C'est What? - 67 Front Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
WHEN: Saturday, March 28th - doors at 10:00pm, show at 10:30pm.
TICKETS: $10 in advance / $12 at the door - available by calling Andrea at Sonic Deli (416) 535-5896 or Nicole at Epilepsy TO (416) 964-9095
WEBSITES:
www.epilepsytoronto.org
www.sonicdelirecords.com
www.myPPK.com/go/jimarmstrong.aspx
www.myspace.com/jimarmstrongsonicdeliband
www.sonicbids.com/sleepssix
www.myspace.com/sleepssix
Epilepsy Toronto provides professional counseling, employment assistance, support and self-help groups, educational workshops and conferences, as well as public awareness and advocacy services. For more information contact Nicole Nelson at Epilepsy Toronto at (416) 964-9095 or visit www.epilepsytoronto.org
Epilepsy Toronto is a member of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, An innovative partnership of epilepsy organizations across the country dedicated to the promotion of independence, quality of life, and full community participation of persons affected by epilepsy.
February 1, 2009
In this update: ValsList, IndieCan´s Best of 2008, Junction Road album, shows, 4th Annual Benefit Concert, All Along & more...
Sonic Deli Records is pleased to announce that some of Jim Armstrong´s songs from the MUDTOWN album will be included in future play list recommendations from ValsList - play lists for busy people/´music concierge´ service
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING [about valslist]:
PINK FLOYD´S DAVID GILMOUR: "...immensely enjoy her rather eclectic mix of music..."
BOB LEFSETZ: "One of the music industry´s most influential analysts..." Washington Post) says about valslist: "We´re looking for more. Computers can´t tell us what we like, we need humans. Like Val.... A trusted site."
CHICAGO MAGAZINE: "valslist is a haven for busy adults in search of great new tunes. Like a `music concierge´ valslist handpicks music that boomers will love and their kids will envy."
IndieCan Radio has included Jim Armstrong´s song, Hole In His Heart on their How Great Was ´08? Year in Review Part II (2008 In Review II #115)
With over 1 Million hits on their site every month, IndieCan features the best of Canadian independent bands and artists with a one-hour show every week - download, stream or listen. IndieCan is also in syndication on XM Satellite Channel 87 The Verge plus 7 more stations across Canada.
Jim Armstrong´s song, Hole In His Heart is included in the soundtrack of the award-winning, American independent comedy film, All Along. Check out the latest exciting announcements for the film here www.allalongfilm.com
Upcoming Shows:
2/14/09 - Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band - Valentine´s Day (Feb 14th) at The Savannah Room, 294 College Street, Toronto, Ontario / (416) 975-0845 along with celebrated guitarist/singer-songwriter, Sean Pinchin.
Show: 10:00 pm / Cover: $5
[ **CANCELLED** ]
2/20/09 - Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band at The Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr Street, Oakville, Ontario / (905) 844-2655 along with fabulous singer-songwriter, Grainne Ryan. Show: 9:00 pm / $7 Cover
3/28/09 - Sonic Deli Records´ presents The 4th Annual Benefit Concert for Epilepsy Toronto at The C´est What? - 67 Front Street, Toronto, Ontario / (416) 867-9499
Each March during National Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada, Sonic Deli Records´ and Jim Armstrong (who has epilepsy) hold a concert to help raise awareness for the organization, Epilepsy Toronto. Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band headline with special guests, Sleep Six. Please join us for an entertaining and memorable evening of music in aid of a worthy cause on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Doors: 10:00 pm (available soon) advance tickets $10 / $12 at the door .
Jim Armstrong is currently in the studio producing and recording his forthcoming album, JUNCTION ROAD as well as producing and recording Jeff Beauchamp´s solo debut EP, ALONE and composing the score for Canton Film Studios´ Taste of Fear.
December 1, 2008
Jim Armstrong is MyPPK's Home Page Featured PPK of the WEEK. Click the logo and check out Jim's presskit. MyPPK is a company that provides an excellent electronic presskit service.
Jim Armstrong is currently working on his new album entitled JUNCTION ROAD with the help of his Sonic Deli Band-mates; Alvin Lapp, Phil Kane and Jeff Beauchamp. To hear some of these new tunes in advance of the CD release and to help usher in the holiday season, please join us on Saturday, December 20th at the C'est What Brew/Vin Pub Restaurant, "Toronto´s true local flavour in craft beer and comfort food since 1988." - 67 Front Street, Toronto.
Joining Jim Armstrong and the Sonic Deli Band is special guest, Sean Pinchin.
"The story-telling Folklore artist, Sean Pinchin, is best known for crafting warm and soulful sounds with nothing but his voice, harmonica and slide guitar. Using his music as therapy, every performance has an emotional delivery that any audience can feel and relate to.
Born in Etobicoke, Ontario in 1981, Sean Pinchin started out as a grunge guitarist eventually gravitating towards folk and early Delta Blues. Having played in and around the GTA in cover rock and pop bands for several years and teaching music on the side, Sean soon established himself as a talented musician - the only problem was, he had yet to find a style he could call his own. It wasn´t until he was introduced to a Hawaiian Lap Steel guitar, that Sean knew this was it."
WHO: Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band; Sean Pinchin
WHEN: Saturday, December 20, 2008
WHERE: C'est What? - 67 Front Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
DOORS: 10:00pm
COVER: $10
September 24, 2008
Jim Armstrong is currently in the quarter-finals at www.ourstage.com in the Southern/Blues Rock/Rockabilly category with his track, Heaven Only Knows. If you love discovering new independent music and would like to check it out, please click on the banner above.
Sonic Deli Records and Jim Armstrong would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Sonic Deli Band, bass player Jeff Beauchamp. Jeff has played in a number of great bands over the years; leader of XMEN recording and touring band; played with Lee Roy Parnell, Vince Gill, Honeymoon Suite, The Meteors, Steven Ambrose of The Lincolns, Jason McCoy, Dave Languuth of Nellie Furtado Band; opened for Powder Blues, Nash the Slash and FM, Tanya Tucker, Diamond Rio, Jaluuka, Devo and many more...
Next Show:
Friday, September 24th, 10:00 p.m. at the Savannah Room - 294 College Street, Toronto, Cost $5.
Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band headline with singer-songwriter, Rob Maurin to open and The Keyframe Band to close. Great line-up! Excellent music! Hope to see you there.
Jim Armstrong - Mudtown
Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC
Performer:
Multi-faceted Jim Armstrong has had much success since Sonic Deli Records launched his solo debut Mudtown in 2007, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Waits, Randy Bachman and Steve Earle. He has composed music for many independent feature and corporate films and his more recent song "Sanctuary" has been included in the soundtrack of episode nine of the new CBC prime time television series, MVP; The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives.
Jim is backed by The Sonic Deli Band which includes the incredibly talented Jeff Beauchamp on bass (XMEN, Vince Gill, Jason McCoy, Lee Roy Parnell, The Meteors, Honeymoon Suite...); drummer Alvin Lapp, (who did a 3 year stint with Buddy Guy, and has done studio and tour support with The Jayhawks, Jackson Browne, Colin James, Goo Goo Dolls, The Quakes...); and Phil Kane aka the Windsor Twister (Jeff Healey, Michael Buble, Gordy Johnson(Big Sugar), Steve Lukather(Toto), Jaymz Bee...) on lead guitar.
Producer/Songwriter:
Jim Armstrong is the core and catalyst of The Sonic Deli Inc / Sonic Deli Records, a Toronto-based music production house and independent record label.
A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and producer, Armstrong began his musical career as a touring drummer at age 10.
Over the past three decades, his work has included; live performances, radio play, extensive songwriting with and for a number of artists, recording, engineering, arranging and producing independent commercial releases.
Together with his songwriting and business partner, Andrea Poulis, who has a background in film production, Jim Armstrong composes independent film scores and they have an extensive publishing catalogue available for film and television licensing.
Jim Armstrong - Select Media and Testimonials:
AmericanaOK host Tom Fahey
says [of Mudtown]: "...this album is a real grower...that's a very beautiful song there, Tomorrow's Gonna Be Grand, from a very fine album indeed."
Rene Leverink, AltCountryNL
"...let´s not beat around the bush; "Mudtown" is a beautiful record..."
Jan Janssen, Real Roots Café
"...Armstrong reveals that he is not only a skilled songwriter but also a fine multi-instrumentalist and producer...beautiful radio songs...this is almost an hour of pure rock and roll adrenalin kick..."
Benny Metton, CtrlAltCountry
"...with Mudtown he [Armstrong] steps out onto the floor and he does so particularly well...brings to mind the work of masters Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seeger, Tom Petty and compatriot Fred Eaglesmith."
Chip Frazier, Twangville / Amber Waves of Twang
"...to call it a solo album is an understatement since Armstrong wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, produced the album and played most of the instruments himself. The result of this tightly controlled process is an infectious hook laden Americana album."
Chris White, publisher, Party In Kingston
"... Mudtown is 13 highly clever tracks...witty lyrics, innuendos and inspiring messages...closest to a conceptual album I´ve heard in years...highly recommended for your audio library."
Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues
"...Armstrong is vibrant, fresh and enthusiastic...I haven´t heard an album that sounds this crisp, with such spectacular production, in a long time..."
Todd Wachtel, The Jersey Toddshow
" I can't stop playing this album [Mudtown]. I highly recommend it. Jim's got a wonderfully unique feel to him, and sets a fantastically cool mood."
Bert Gagnon, Neon Productions Radio, Musictogousa.com
"...Even though this is Jim Armstrong's first solo album, Jim is no novice to the music arena and it is very apparent as he has hit a homerun his first time out. Here is another artist that will be on our playlists for many years."
Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM
"Freed of some of the shackles of epilepsy, this gifted song-writer and multi-instrumentalist, with shades of Waits and Bachman, played his first live gig (post-op) at Healey's... Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art."
Kelly Dearmore, The Gobblers Knob
"...Jim Armstrong's latest CD, Mudtown is a worthy listen....What struck me the most about Mudtown was how the disc seemed to effortlessly transition from bluesy-rockers like "Heaven Only Knows" and softer, more thoughtful alt-country tunes such as "I'm Coming Home"."
Bruce / The Promise Live365.com
"... Jim Armstrong - Mudtown (2007) Straight from the heartland... You know... Toronto, Canada. With his slightly gravely voice and straight ahead attack, this is rock and roll that makes you think of Mellencamp or even Melissa. If you close your eyes you can see these guys playing live in a small club opening for someone, when they really should be the main attraction. Good songwriting. Good sense of rock and roll. Find out more at Sonic Deli Records (love that name)."
Keith Ross Leckie, Emmy and Gemini award-winning writer/producer (Lost In The Barrens, Journey Into Darkness, The Arrow)
"Over the years Jim Armstrong's music continues to surprise and entertain me. His first album "Brown Bag Lunch" revealed a strong and confident talent as a musician, singer, songwriter and arranger in different genres. And now his new album, "Mudtown", fulfills that promise again. I find myself looking for films to make that can take advantage of Jim's accomplished music."
E. Thomas Canton, Director/Producer
"As the director and producer ... I found that working with Jim Armstrong and Andrea Poulis was not a matter of simply that the songs and the music created for The Adulterers´ Guide to Toronto were without a doubt Oscar caliber ... I dare anyone not to agree with me."
Myrocia Watamaniuk, television host for Rogers Daytime Toronto
"When Jim sings, you know he´s singing from his heart."
Jon Long (of the national Long & McQuade musical instruments stores)
"Jim is an incredibly talented musician. His music needs to be heard."
About Mudtown:
The title and driving spirit of Jim Armstrong´s Mudtown CD were born during his wanderings through downtown Toronto, where he lives, works and walks his dogs. Armstrong explains, "Life can be dirty, rough and mean, but there's a breed of people who struggle against the grind and somehow keep their humanity. They don't get hard, like the city, and that's what makes Mudtown livable."
"Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art." - Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM
He defends the underdog through his music by dispelling the modern myth of perfection. This is an album that the working class will understand. He writes songs about real characters from everyday life, singing their stories with passion.
Straightforward but rock-solid guitar, bass and drums dominate the tracks. Musical chops are provided by Armstrong himself (guitar, drums, keys, harmonica and more), unshakable bassist Wes Miller, backup vocalist Rob Maurin, and a roster of guests on backing vocals (Debbie Shessel, Amer Diab, Jennifer Claveau) and on lead guitar including Bruce Dies, Ron Bechard, Kenji Miura (aka Kenmi Chank) and Phil Kane.
Up-tempo tracks like "She Spins Around," sentimental tunes like "I´m Coming Home," and the sing-along "Gypsy" are gestures to mainstream rock-pop. The image-rich "When it Rains" broods darkly in an alt-rock corner, while "Heaven Only Knows" is a rock-and-roll adrenaline kick.
Contact/Bookings
: (416) 535-5896
andrea.sonicdeli@sympatico.ca
