Posted by Pete Smith on December 13, 2008, 11:57 pm
86.153.201.161
The Advertiser (UK) 12 December 2008
Jim Rorie was the original “Outlaw” country singer. Long before Willie, Waylon and Tompall and the others were peddling their new sound in Nashville, Jim, leading his band, Daddy Rube and the Renegades, had done it in Memphis where his mix of country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll packed the clubs in that famous city. By that time Rorie was well seasoned having played the blues and paid his dues all over the States with long sojourns in Chicago and L.A.
There is an old saying that goes “If you want to play to blues you have to live the blues” and Jim has certainly done that over the years. Many of his personal experiences have been preserved in his songs and several of these have become radio favourites throughout America and Europe. As the years progressed Rorie’s music took on a more country edge though the blues are not very far from his vocal chords. Jim currently has five albums available, the latest of which, “The Mother Road” (JiRo), is never far from my player. The programme of 12 songs blend Jim’s original songs with a few classics and show just some of his musical influences. The album kicks off with Bobby Troup’s rousing “Route 66”, and then later, with his own “The Mother Road”, explains why this highway is so important. The beautiful “Bittersweet” can only be described as supper club jazz whilst “53 Buick” is a great blues number. It was not until I heard Jim sing “Wonderful World” that I realised it was not a Louis Armstrong pop hit but a spiritual. Jim’s poignant performance really did bring that home. The former Delta bluesman also offers a tender rendition of “I Wish I Was 18 Again” and a wonderful story of an Irish woman with “The Ballad Of Kitty Linnane”. Completing this extremely entertaining and interesting album are “Everybody Wants to Be A Star”, “Blues For Hollywood”, “Draggin’ Man”, “I Knew” and “57 Chevy”. Though Jim has been performing for more than half a century he can still certainly hit the right chord. www.cdbaby.com/cd/jimjorie
Happy birthday to Ernie Ashworth, who will be a marvellous eighty years of age on Monday (15 December). Ernie had several big hits during the sixties including “Talk Back Trembling Lips” and “I Love to Dance With Annie”. The remarkable thing about Ernie is he is still recording and remains one of Europe’s favourite radio stars. Jim Glaser, of Tompall and the Glaser Brothers and a top recording artist in his own right will be seventy-one on Tuesday (16 December). Happy birthday Jim! And today (12 December) is a birthday for Irish superstar Daniel O’Donnell who shares this date with my lovely wife Ada. Greetings to you both.
Remember there are stars in the southern sky.
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