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JIM ARMSTRONG: Mudtown
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572 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
(416) 537-1620
The Canadian Renaissance Project!
http://crp.publicbroadcasting.ca
Favourite Radio/Podcasts
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July 23, 2008
This Friday, July 25th you are invited to the Savannah Room in Toronto for a terrific night of music and merriment with birthday boy, Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band. Rounding out the roster is the amazing Grainne Ryan; the loveliest, roots rockin' redhead you'll ever see and the new duo on the block, Big Blue. True, Jim Armstrong is also a roots rockin' redhead, but Grainne's prettier!
Where: The Savannah Room - 294 College Street (@ Spadina) - 416.975.0845
When: Friday, July 25th
Show: 10:00pm
Cost: $5
Next Show: Saturday, August 16th, Jim & SDB @ the Savannah Room with Little Birdie (Montreal)
Other News:
Jim Armstrong is now on OurStage.com; an online music site where the fans decide who's great and who's not. Drop by and become a fan - listen and judge for yourself. The music runs from the very best new music on offer in the world to the worst (think early "Idol" tryouts!) Fans and artists can win cash and other prizes (yes, that means you). Your support is greatly appreciated.
And in the world of podcasting, Jim Armstrong's song I'm Coming Home is on today's (July 23rd) Pancake Wednesday episode of the Longtown Sound. Other recent plays include When It Rains on The Billy Bourbon Show and Sanctuary on episode 11 on DJ Jeff's new High Voltage Rock podcast.
Hope to see you at a show very soon.
June 25, 2008
A warm thank you to those who came to our show on June 5th at the Cadillac Lounge; we had a wonderful time and it was great to see Amer Diab and The Loan Sharks back on the stage after their winter hiatus recording the new album. Look for their CD release on August 22nd @ The Dakota Tavern (guarantee that you won't be disappointed).
While on the topic of new albums, it's a not so secret, secret that Jim Armstrong is currently writing the follow-up to his Mudtown CD. Jim (aka Mr. Prolific) is making everyone crazy; so many excellent songs! How to choose the final lineup? Be sure that we'll be asking for your help in this decision-making process - soon.
Saturday, June 28, 2008 - IndieLove Radio - 2:00pm(EST) - www.indielove.ca (worldwide) Jim Armstrong joins radio hosts Rob & Chris (of The Barnyard) at 2:00pm for an hour of live to air interview/chat, play a few tracks from Mudtown and an give an acoustic performance of some of his songs. Andrea Poulis will also be there to dispense useful and correct information and fill in any gaps in the conversation ;-) Listen online!
** NEWS FLASH**
Toronto City Roots Festival @ The Distillery District:
Toronto City Roots Fest runs Saturday, June 28th from 1:00pm until 11:00pm & Sunday, June 29th from 1:00pm until 7:00pm - Free Admission
Sunday, June 29th Jim Armstrong is performing on the Groovy Mondays stage at 1:00pm (tented stage in the Distillery Lane which is located just off the main square, running west from Trinity Square) See venue & map details here.
Friday, July 25, 2008 - Jim Armstrong's Birthday Bash!
Jim Armstrong & the Sonic Deli Bandare thrilled to announce that the amazing Grainne Ryan & band will make a return engagement with Jim and the boys as well as the new duo known as Big Blue at The Savannah Room - 294 College Street (@ Spadina) Toronto - 416.975.0845
This will be your last chance to see Grainne in the Toronto area for a little while as she's about to begin recording her new CD - don't miss it. And look for a couple of surprise musical guests to join the fun.
Show: 9:30 p.m.
Cover: $5
New Stuff:
Jim Armstrong has a new online press kit www.myPPK.com/go/jimarmstrong.aspx
And don't forget to check out these recent 'youtubies'
try this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8KgUyHxj04
or perhaps this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G89oAouTz14
May 22, 2008
Finally! Many of you have been asking when the new music video of Jim Armstrong's song, Mudtown was coming out - well it's here now babies!
Filmed and directed by E. Thomas Canton of Canton Film Studios it features Jim Armstrong & the Sonic Deli Band (Wes Miller, Phil Kane, Alvin Lapp) having fun in Toronto's Funhaus down on Queen Street West. Many thanks to Funhaus owner, Doug Hustins and sound tech, Rich, for letting us in to play with all the "toys".
Please let us know how you like it (or don't) and feel free to forward this link to anyone and to post your comments onto youtube as well - they're always appreciated.
Show this Saturday May 24th
The wickedly wonderful Grainne Ryan and her band are joining Jim & the Sonic Deli Band this Saturday at the Savannah Room - 294 College Street (@ Spadina), Toronto 416.975-0845.
www.myspace.com/thesavannahroom
10:00 pm / $5 cover
Jim and the boys have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with Grainne a few times, most notably at Jim's MUDTOWN CD release party; NXNE 2007; @ The Steam Whistle last spring. Please go to Grainne's website and learn why this young woman is one of Canada's up-and-coming musical treasures:
www.grainne.ca
Next Show: Thursday, June 5th
Cadillac Lounge - 1296 Queen Street West, Toronto 416.536.7717.
www.cadillaclounge.com
It's hard to believe (say it ain't so!) but Jim & band have not had the pleasure of sharing a stage with Amer Diab and his band since 2006's Benefit Concert for Epilepsy Toronto. In that time Amer has not only released his critically acclaimed 2nd album, There/After but has just now completed his 3rd album to be released in August of this year. Amer (one of Sonic Deli Records' Brown Bag Lunch alumni) is a sublime songwriter and hypnotically engaging performer. Come on out to catch what should prove to be an incredible night of music with Jim Armstrong & the Sonic Deli Band and Amer Diab @ the Caddy 10:00 pm / $5
www.myspace.com/amerdiab
Finally, we're making the switch over to a new electronic press kit for Jim Armstrong (myPPK.com/go/jimarmstrong.aspx).
April 28, 2008
*Newsflash*
The music video of Jim Armstrong's song, Tomorrow's Gonna Be Grand is now available for viewing here:
The track is from Jim's MUDTOWN album and the video was produced and directed by E. Thomas Canton of Canton Films Studios.
Please feel free to share your comments and let us know what you think - thanks!
Additional News:
Emmitt Muckles (aka Jamie Starr) of the Detroit Beatz podcast has featured a number of Jim Armstrong songs in a video tour of his hometown, Detroit, Michigan, USA. Check it out here: www.detroitbeatz.com
Tom Canton (Canton Film Studios) is currently back at the helm directing the music video for Jim Armstrong's title track, Mudtown. Release details coming soon.
Upcoming Shows:
Saturday, May 10th:
Jim Armstrong performs a solo acoustic show - 9 pm - 12 @ Shutters Restaurant & Bar, 268 Bradford Street, Barrie (705)725-4999 www.shuttersrestaurant.ca
Thank you for your time; hope we see you out a show very soon - please help support indie music!
April 4, 2008
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 3rd Annual Benefit Concert in support of Epilepsy Toronto on Saturday, March 29th; it was a fantastically successful evening for all involved.
Many thanks to Matt, Nathan & Jake of The Schomberg Fair; many thanks to Wes, Phil, Alvin and Jim of Jim Armstrong & the Sonic Deli Band - the music was great, as are all of your friends, families and fans! ;-)
So many people helped behind the scenes; thanks to publicist, Beverly Kreller & SPEAKmusic, Peter Ledwon of Blue Sky Studios, Nicole Nelson & Theo Selles of Epilepsy Toronto, Darryl Brant (for agreeing to videotape on the spur of the moment!), Bonnie (for manning the door), C'est What? & their wonderful staff & technicians and to all the media for helping to spread the word.
All are in agreement that this was the best benefit show yet - and now, we're doubly thrilled to announce that we have 3 brand, spanking new music videos posted on youtube so that you may re-live some of the highlights OR if you couldn't make it out to the C'est What on Saturday, here's your chance to be in on some of the fun. Enjoy!
Jim Armstrong & SDB - "Happier Times" (deceptive little number) Kudos to Darryl for the "bootleg" effect!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmzwQ3lmA1E
Jim Armstrong & SDB - "When It Rains"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G89oAouTz14
Jim Armstrong & SDB - "She Spins Around"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8tqlMw7Kf0
Coming soon:
Next Show:
Saturday, April 19, 2008 @ the Savannah Room - 294 College Street, Toronto w/ Sleeps Six
Jim Armstrong - Mudtown
Mudtown is a straight ahead alt-roots-rock album that shoots from the hip and aims at the heart. With his first solo CD, Mudtown, Toronto-based musician Jim Armstrong has crafted a collection of thirteen songs with musical and emotional hooks that stick unshakably with the listener. The CD will be released through Sonic Deli Records (sonicdelirecords.com) on May 10, 2007.
Armstrong is an accomplished singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has spent many years performing (drummer and/or front man), developing and producing indie artists, as well as writing and recording for corporate clients. He has also scored films such as Canton Film Studios’ The Adulterer’s Guide to Toronto (2007). Now, he’s stepping authoritatively in front of the curtain to unveil Mudtown, his solo debut.
The title and driving spirit of Mudtown were born during Jim's wanderings through downtown Toronto, where he lives, works and walks his dogs. Jim 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 liveable."
"Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.” — Andy Frank, CIUT
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.
Early reviews of Armstrong’s new material have already drawn comparisons to the master singer-songwriters of Americana roots-rock — Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle, Tom Petty and Canada’s own Fred Eaglesmith — in that their music shares a working-class sensibility and honesty.
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.
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."
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."
Myrocia Watamaniuk, television host for Rogers Daytime Toronto
"When Jim sings, you know he´s singing from his heart."
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."
Jon Long (of the national Long & McQuade musical instruments stores)
"Jim is an incredibly talented musician. His music needs to be heard."
Contact
Info: (416) 535-5896
andrea.sonicdeli@sympatico.ca
