Ryan Adams, folk, roots and acoustic music, Kris Drever, The Poozies, Elvis, Wrigley Sisters, John Martyn, Gram Parsons, Teenage Fanclub, The Magic Numbers, John Prine, The Vines, Beck, Loris, The Beatles, Keith Richards, Rolling Stones, 60s Folk Rock, 70s Glam Rock, Beach Boys, Tom Waits, Jazz, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, Punk, Mavericks, Jimi Hendrix,The Buzzcocks, The fall, Marc Bolan,T-Rex, The Kinks, Captain Beefheart, Jon Wayne, The Undertones, Loyd cole and the Commotions, Van Morrison, The Pogues, Kings of Leon, Ry Cooder, Pop music from the year dot onwards, pre-war blues players, Professor Longhair, Orange Juice, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, The Creeping Charlies, Bach, Hank Wangford (first album), Plato and his philosophical cronies, The Monkeys, Hank Williams, Dr John, Dr Feelgood, Bert Jansch.
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Have you heard the one about the Scot, the Irishman and the native American?
It would have been hard to predict Jim's current acoustic based sound given his upbringing and early musical influences. He was brought up in the working class town of Clydebank, left school in the middle of the recession of the late 70s early 80s, played in punk bands throughout the 70s and then as the guitarist in the psychedelic rock band the Primevals.
So where did the Americana/Blues/Folk thing come from? Well perhaps it's in his blood; there's a story is that his mother's side of the family are descended from the union between a Cherokee Indian and an Irish booth boxer; both of whom were participants in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Shows at the turn of the 19th century.
So it could be the mix of Celtic and native American blood that's responsible for the spiritual and laid back feel of much of Jim's current acoustic music.
Or maybe it's simpler than that; one of the punk bands he played in was actually a punk country band called Dexter Slim and the Pickups; so the interest in country music is nothing new.
And the very first band he put together had Iain Copeland on drums; Iain currently plays with the celtic fusion band The Peatbog Faeries. That first band also contained John Honeyman on bass - who later became the bass player with the Primevals.
I'm very happy to report that my new CD, 'On these dark nights' is now available to buy.
"Your CD has been played a lot in our house: it's fantastic!
One of my favourite albums this year!
I like it very much: fine guitar playing, a sympathetic voice and good tunes. it makes us feel good, my wife and I."
Jan Byker
"The gig last night was wonderful. We are listening to the CD this morning over breakfast. Fab voice. Love the words." Basia Palka
"Said it before, say it again, the songs and geetaring are great"
Gill Maxwell
"Jim's ballads are a blend of the familiar and the romantic. Tunes from the heart which you catch yourself singing (in my case in the shower only)"
Issi Wilson
"I have been listening to Jim's new album ON THESE DARK NIGHTS
over the weekend and I think it is fantastic."
Dougie Wilkinson Clannan An Drumma
On these dark Nights, the new album by Jim Byrne
New and old friends have brought their talents to the studio, making this a unique recording. Mick West, nominated for the award of Scottish Traditional Singer 2008, sings backing vocals on two of the tracks and Geoff Martyn, Peter Byrne, Graham McIntosh and Robert Ruthven, all great players, add their magic to these new songs.
Up in the morning
Look out the window
I see the birds
I see the sky
I see the clouds as they are rolling by
I see the sea and I sea the shore
Now what do you see?
Put on your wellies
put on your big coat
time to go splashin'......
"We were delighted to have Jim Byrne in our FESTIVAL SHOWCASE and MUSIC AT THE CROSS OUTDOOR STAGE. His highly innovative compositions were well received by our Festival-goers and we would certainly welcome him back"
Murdie Kennedy, Linlithgow Folk Festival
"Excellent! Jim is breath of fresh air amongst Glasgow's acoustic scene"
Dochan MacMillan, Free Candy Sessions
"'Jim Byrne's unique and personal set at the Open Mike session at The Place Music Club Milngavie, was perfectly suited to the intimate, cabaret atmosphere in this popular club. His engaging lyrics and slick guitar puts Jim firmly on the performance circuit in Scotland. Worth looking out for."
Erne Parkin, The Place Folk Club, Milngavie.
"Special mention should go to Jim Byrne and his laconic folk blues.."
David Kushar, UK new Folk and Roots music (SpiralEarth.co.uk )
"...his accomplished guitar work, well crafted songs and sensitive singing were very well received." Pedie MacNeill, Colonsay Festival Organiser
Singing and writing songs since birth (well after the football and bike riding). Acoustic, bluesy folk and country style songs of love, heartbreak and the Scottish weather. From Glasgow, Scotland.
Currently playing festivals and gigs throughout Scotland - recently at Colonsay Folk festival and featured on the Linlithgow Folk Festival Showcase. Soon to be supporting Canadian singer songwriter Allison Lickley in The Liquid Ship and Supporting Southern Tenant Folk Union in Brel in Glasgow's West End.
Win free CDs, get discounts on CD and get the latest news on new releases, gigs, and other stuff as it happens! You will receive a newsletter via email about once a month.
Be assured I respect your privacy. Your email address will never be passed on to anyone else. You will be able to remove yourself from this list at anytime.
Bands Jim has played in include The Primevals, The Hemingways, Hyperstar, Dexter Slim and the Pickups and of course his most recent band Loris.
In the early 90s he set up the Kazoo club in Glasgow - which launched many a Glasgow band's career - and gave Alex from Franz Ferdinand his first ever gig.
Hi Jim, nice new "apple" song, great to read about your French-experience, say hello to Pat from Rini and me. PS: One day we will succeed in sending our pictures from Glasgow to you... All the best, Jan Bijker/Bijker&Blom
Hey Jim Just enjoyed your profile song with the slide on it and my ma was sittin in the back watching my son and pipes up "who's that playin Johnny cash" cool compliment as that's what i grew up listening to
Another couple of great performances at Moniaive Guitar Festival last weekend. You sound better every time I hear you. Great session in the bar afterwards wit Wizz Jones, Steve Hicks, Wendy Stewart and Maddy Prior.
New and old friends have brought their talents to the studio, making this a unique recording. Mick West, nominated for the award of Scottish Traditional Singer 2008, sings backing vocals on two of the tracks and Geoff Martyn, Peter Byrne, Graham McIntosh and Robert Ruthven, all great players, add their magic to these new songs.
Online Now!
Hope the Dutch appreciate oor lad from the G81!
Helen xxx
