About Jim Armstrong
Jim Armstrong w/ the Sonic Deli Band or solo; Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC. ...
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About
~ Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC ~
UPDATE: August 2013
Released 22/08/13 (look for it on CD Baby, iTunes)
Jim Armstrong’s new EP, FIVE is an end-of-summer disc of 5 songs featuring Jim’s newest single, “Joe Fresh”, and includes the never before available, ”Sanctuary” from episode # 9 of the CBC TV series, MVP: The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives”, plus Jim’s 2012 single, “Cardboard Retreat” written to help raise awareness of Veteran homelessness.
About Cardboard Retreat:
"The haunting atmosphere and marching drums that begin Jim Armstrong’s “Cardboard Retreat” foreshadow what becomes one of the best written pieces about homelessness and veteran’s affairs ever. “Still coughing blood up from my lungs…” is the opening line, and the imagery that follows is just as emotionally striking in its desolation and sorrow. Armstrong’s voice sounds wearied and meek and that makes the song all the more effective. This is without exaggeration, on par with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” in terms of songwriting skill and how well it depicts the problems of homelessness and disenfranchised veterans." - Heath Andrews
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UPDATE: August 2012
Jim Armstrong is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter and music producer who also advocates for those, like himself, with Epilepsy. He has given tirelessly over the years to help Epilepsy Toronto do the marvelous things they do, while providing living proof that anything is possible for someone with his condition.
His last album release, Junction Road (Sonic Deli Records) garnered excellent reviews, and in between performing as Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band, Jim is working on his new album, a video series, a feature film soundtrack, and he has just released a single, Cardboard Retreat.
Cardboard Retreat is a powerfully poignant anthem about the plight of our homeless Veterans. An alarming number of service people are returning to their homeland with no real place to call home. Collaborating with America’s non-profit, Voices United For Veterans and their sister organization, Mats 4 Pats Canada, Jim and other likeminded artists perform their music to raise awareness and dollars to support others doing the day-to-day work of helping returning heroes to reclaim their dignity. All proceeds from the sale of Cardboard Retreat go to help end veteran homelessness.
Jim states, “I know how difficult it is to live with a disability, and if not for the help and understanding from family, friends and organizations such as Epilepsy Toronto, I could easily find myself living on the streets. When I was asked to use my music to help the cause to end Veteran homelessness, I knew I had to help.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jim Armstrong's JUNCTION ROAD - where rock meets twang
The road from birth to death is a unique journey that everyone must travel and some of us have smoother, easier paths than others. Jim Armstrong's journey has been one filled with much adversity. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter, Jim has lived with severe epilepsy since surviving encephalitis as a child. Years of seizures, medications, even brain surgery – Jim has lived through it all with an incredible inner strength and a sense of humour which colours and defines his music and songwriting.
After Jim's well-received debut album, 2007's MUDTOWN, he began writing and recording new material with the intention of releasing another album in 2009. However things took a different, more difficult turn when Jim, while out shopping, was knocked to the ground by a store employee wielding a manual forklift. The resulting injury has been another life-altering hurdle for Jim. His left hand fingers (fretting hand) are now permanently damaged requiring him to wear metal ring splints on them 24/7. No longer able to play some instruments and having to relearn and adapt to playing others, it has a been a long and painful journey for Jim to complete his new album, JUNCTION ROAD (2010, Sonic Deli Records).
“Where rock meets twang” befits Jim's musical style; a seamless blend of Rock, Roots, Americana and Alt-Country genres that comprise the 14 tracks on JUNCTION ROAD. Jim's songs are compelling; with catchy, hooky melodies and sometimes deceptively dark lyrics. He frequently sings of hard luck stories peopled with underdogs and all their small defeats and triumphs. Notable songs include the giddy, high-energy “Dollars In His Wallet”, the sweetly sad and nostalgic “Worn Out Shoes”, darkly brooding “Joanne” and a rousing “Walk Alone”. Whether dynamically uptempo or slow and thoughtful all 14 songs on Junction Road have a sense of Jim's enduring spirit and strong social consciousness.
Writing, arranging, singing, playing, recording and producing his own material, Jim also enlists the talent of his exceptionally fine backing musicians, collectively known as the Sonic Deli Band. SDB is comprised of drummer,
Alvin Lapp; bassist Jeff Beauchamp; lead guitarist, Kenji Miura aka Kenmi Chank and lead/rhythm guitarist, Val Oddo. Special guest, Phil Manning provides Hammond B3 and additional keys. Together they have made JUNCTION ROAD a stand-out musical journey for the listener – enjoy.
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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 the age of 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 the two of them have an extensive publishing catalogue available for film and television licensing. www.sonicdelirecords.com
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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…); lead guitarist/studio, Kenji Miura aka Kenmi Chank of Osaka, Japan; lead guitarist/live Val Oddo.
See press section for reviews and testimonials
Members
- Jim Armstrong - lead vox, guitar, songwriter, producer
- Alvin Lapp - drums, back up vox
- Val Oddo - lead guitar
- Jeff Beauchamp - bass guitar, back up vox
- Kenji Miura aka Kenmi Chank - lead guitar (studio)
Links
Sonic Deli Records
Jim Armstrong on CBC Radio 3
Purchase MUDTOWN @ Apple iTunes
Jim Armstrong on OurStage
Jim Armstrong on MySpace
All Links
Press
Jim Armstrong -- Select media and testimonials:
For Cardboard Retreat (single):
Ken Main – Voices United For Veterans: “… a Masterpiece! “Cardboard Retreat” is destined to rank among the most powerful pieces of inspirational music, patriotic or otherwise, ever written or recorded. It drips with sorrowful pathos, settling quietly into the listener’s mind and soul in a most unsettling way. Once more, Mr. Armstrong’s uncanny songwriting knack, and eerily sympathetic voice for finding and feeling the precise words to evoke our fiercest, primal emotions, have united to forge what is most certainly an anthem to physically scarred and psychologically damaged military veterans who’ve returned home, only to find that, for them, there is no home. If ever a song could flood us with utter despair and hopelessness, as it compels us to scream, ‘fix this now!’ “Cardboard Retreat” is that song.”
Heath Andrews - Review You: “The haunting atmosphere and marching drums that begin Jim Armstrong’s “Cardboard Retreat” foreshadow what becomes one of the best written pieces about homelessness and veteran’s affairs ever. “Still coughing blood up from my lungs…” is the opening line, and the imagery that follows is just as emotionally striking in its desolation and sorrow. Armstrong’s voice sounds wearied and meek and that makes the song all the more effective. This is without exaggeration, on par with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” in terms of songwriting skill and how well it depicts the problems of homelessness and disenfranchised veterans.”
Wildy Haskell - Wildysworld: “Cardboard Retreat” is full of bleak melancholy that steps hand-in-hand with a sweet melody. It’s a definite downer, but a well-written story song.”
Uncle Shag – WLSO.FM: “I love story songs and Jim Armstrong’s “Cardboard Retreat” hits all the marks of a storyteller’s goal to entertain, cause questioning and provide a way for every listener to interact. Thanks Jim, for all you do!”
For Junction Road (album):
Russell Hill, Maverick Country Magazine UK: “Utterly exhilarating that literally stops you in your tracks...all the energy and talent of someone with wisdom beyond his years... A follow up to this excellent album? I hope so.”
Joaquin Lopez Diaz, Rock and Roll Circus: "Junction Road is up in my list of favourite albums of 2010 in the Americana/Roots genre. Classic, mature, sensitive songwriting from a true fighter in life and REAL Rock'n'Roll. In a perfect world songs like "When I Kiss You" would be monster radio hits. PURE MAGIC. "Sanctify" send me shivers at the spine. Graham Parker would die for this ballad. "Dollars In His Wallet" is cowpunk to the bone, hillbilly mayhem. I love the whole album - I think it is one of the best Americana/Roots pieces of the year. Classic stuff."
Joe Chisholm, 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 with your own conscience. It’s a well written Americana meets Rock ‘n’ Roll ride from start to finish."
Johan Schoenmakers, AltCountryForum.nl: "The style of "Junction Road is a crossover of 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."
John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network: "After listening to the magnificent new release Junction Rd. I am now more convinced than ever that Canada does indeed have an answer to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and all others that fall into those styles, and he comes in the form of Jim Armstrong...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***** "
Valsam, RootsTime.be: “Jim Armstrong may take some time in getting new work out on the market, but if the quality of all his work is as high as it is on "Junction Road" we can only admire this approach and conclude that this Canadian multi-instrumentalist should have his work labelled "pretty damn good stuff": an absolute must for all the loyal fans of the best roots rock and Americana music.”
Uncle Shag, WLSO.FM & Longtown Sound: "Here we are at the end of 2010 and Jim Armstrong is kicking high with the drop of a new CD "Junction Road" and with a heart pumping strength in his vocals rivaling The Boss and Neil Young and at times a mix of Mel Torme and Bill Murray for sheer will to be...I listen to a LOT of music and it's always a joy when ALL the cuts on a CD are gems and Jim Armstrong has it in his CD, “Junction Road."
Keith Ross Leckie, Emmy and Gemini award-winning writer/producer (Lost In The Barrens, Journey Into Darkness, The Arrow, Coppermine): “Always a great fan of Jim's music, I find this new album "Junction Road" begins where "Mudtown" left off and sets a new standard. The band has never been tighter and the arrangements bring out their best, but what is superlative on this album is the lyrics. Jim creates stories and characters, strong visual images and metaphors that make you feel like you've just watched a dramatic movie in your head, all in three and a half minutes. "David and Jenny", "Worn Out Shoes" and "Breaker's Point" are good examples. "Dollars In His Wallet" is just a classic display of Jim's hard driving rock and roll. Congratulations Jim. Whatever is inspiring you, don't let it stop!“
Ken M., 2Kens Comedy Club Indie & YCMIU: “You don't have to love the Americana sound to be smitten as we are, by the enormous talent and even bigger heart of Ontario, Canada's Jim Armstrong. His new album, Junction Road? – where rock meets twang – it's perfection.”
Ken D., 2Kens Comedy Club Indie & YCMIU: "The best music is that which connects to the listener on an emotional level and if that is the standard, then Jim Armstrong’s music is among the very best. He’s overcome more adversity in his life than anyone should have to bear, and perhaps as a result, many of his songs celebrate everyday people who have beaten the odds and overcome hurdles of their own. Plus, his music is just plain enjoyable to listen to - so, enjoy!"
For Mudtown (album):
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: [of Mudtown] “…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…”
Chip Frazier, Twangville/ Amber Waves of Twang:[of Mudtown] ”… 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.”
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).”
More Press
Press
SELECT MEDIA & TESTIMONIALS
Jim Armstrong -- Select media and testimonials:
For Cardboard Retreat (single):
Ken Main – Voices United For Veterans: “… a Masterpiece! “Cardboard Retreat” is destined to rank among the most powerful pieces of inspirational music, patriotic or otherwise, ever written or recorded. It drips with sorrowful pathos, settling quietly into the listener’s mind and soul in a most unsettling way. Once more, Mr. Armstrong’s uncanny songwriting knack, and eerily sympathetic voice for finding and feeling the precise words to evoke our fiercest, primal emotions, have united to forge what is most certainly an anthem to physically scarred and psychologically damaged military veterans who’ve returned home, only to find that, for them, there is no home. If ever a song could flood us with utter despair and hopelessness, as it compels us to scream, ‘fix this now!’ “Cardboard Retreat” is that song.”
Heath Andrews - Review You: “The haunting atmosphere and marching drums that begin Jim Armstrong’s “Cardboard Retreat” foreshadow what becomes one of the best written pieces about homelessness and veteran’s affairs ever. “Still coughing blood up from my lungs…” is the opening line, and the imagery that follows is just as emotionally striking in its desolation and sorrow. Armstrong’s voice sounds wearied and meek and that makes the song all the more effective. This is without exaggeration, on par with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise” in terms of songwriting skill and how well it depicts the problems of homelessness and disenfranchised veterans.”
Wildy Haskell - Wildysworld: “Cardboard Retreat” is full of bleak melancholy that steps hand-in-hand with a sweet melody. It’s a definite downer, but a well-written story song.”
Uncle Shag – WLSO.FM: “I love story songs and Jim Armstrong’s “Cardboard Retreat” hits all the marks of a storyteller’s goal to entertain, cause questioning and provide a way for every listener to interact. Thanks Jim, for all you do!”
For Junction Road (album):
Russell Hill, Maverick Country Magazine UK: “Utterly exhilarating that literally stops you in your tracks...all the energy and talent of someone with wisdom beyond his years... A follow up to this excellent album? I hope so.”
Joaquin Lopez Diaz, Rock and Roll Circus: "Junction Road is up in my list of favourite albums of 2010 in the Americana/Roots genre. Classic, mature, sensitive songwriting from a true fighter in life and REAL Rock'n'Roll. In a perfect world songs like "When I Kiss You" would be monster radio hits. PURE MAGIC. "Sanctify" send me shivers at the spine. Graham Parker would die for this ballad. "Dollars In His Wallet" is cowpunk to the bone, hillbilly mayhem. I love the whole album - I think it is one of the best Americana/Roots pieces of the year. Classic stuff."
Joe Chisholm, 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 with your own conscience. It’s a well written Americana meets Rock ‘n’ Roll ride from start to finish."
Johan Schoenmakers, AltCountryForum.nl: "The style of "Junction Road is a crossover of 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."
John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network: "After listening to the magnificent new release Junction Rd. I am now more convinced than ever that Canada does indeed have an answer to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and all others that fall into those styles, and he comes in the form of Jim Armstrong...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***** "
Valsam, RootsTime.be: “Jim Armstrong may take some time in getting new work out on the market, but if the quality of all his work is as high as it is on "Junction Road" we can only admire this approach and conclude that this Canadian multi-instrumentalist should have his work labelled "pretty damn good stuff": an absolute must for all the loyal fans of the best roots rock and Americana music.”
Uncle Shag, WLSO.FM & Longtown Sound: "Here we are at the end of 2010 and Jim Armstrong is kicking high with the drop of a new CD "Junction Road" and with a heart pumping strength in his vocals rivaling The Boss and Neil Young and at times a mix of Mel Torme and Bill Murray for sheer will to be...I listen to a LOT of music and it's always a joy when ALL the cuts on a CD are gems and Jim Armstrong has it in his CD, “Junction Road."
Keith Ross Leckie, Emmy and Gemini award-winning writer/producer (Lost In The Barrens, Journey Into Darkness, The Arrow, Coppermine): “Always a great fan of Jim's music, I find this new album "Junction Road" begins where "Mudtown" left off and sets a new standard. The band has never been tighter and the arrangements bring out their best, but what is superlative on this album is the lyrics. Jim creates stories and characters, strong visual images and metaphors that make you feel like you've just watched a dramatic movie in your head, all in three and a half minutes. "David and Jenny", "Worn Out Shoes" and "Breaker's Point" are good examples. "Dollars In His Wallet" is just a classic display of Jim's hard driving rock and roll. Congratulations Jim. Whatever is inspiring you, don't let it stop!“
Ken M., 2Kens Comedy Club Indie & YCMIU: “You don't have to love the Americana sound to be smitten as we are, by the enormous talent and even bigger heart of Ontario, Canada's Jim Armstrong. His new album, Junction Road? – where rock meets twang – it's perfection.”
Ken D., 2Kens Comedy Club Indie & YCMIU: "The best music is that which connects to the listener on an emotional level and if that is the standard, then Jim Armstrong’s music is among the very best. He’s overcome more adversity in his life than anyone should have to bear, and perhaps as a result, many of his songs celebrate everyday people who have beaten the odds and overcome hurdles of their own. Plus, his music is just plain enjoyable to listen to - so, enjoy!"
For Mudtown (album):
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: [of Mudtown] “…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…”
Chip Frazier, Twangville/ Amber Waves of Twang:[of Mudtown] ”… 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.”
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).”
Influences
Springsteen, Earle, Eaglesmith, Hiatt, Petty, Adams, Mellencamp