Canada's Howie James (Nanaimo, BC) is hard at work recording for his first album of all original music this winter entitled Don't Be Ashamed. At 75 years young this may come as a bit of a surprise to friends and family who figured the old crooner was done with making any major moves. Howie only ever played covers in his time, but something changed this year, and he started laying down tracks of his own. This swingin' collection of jazz, country, gospel, folk, rock and a little boss nova flavoured tunes is already sounding like timeless standards, with songs of love and faith that will make you feel you know this smooth entertainer from way back. Howie wrote every song himself, singing all the tracks with passion, while playing his fabulous vintage Gibson guitar with all the skill and subtlety the years have bestowed upon him.
This crowd pleasing disc will also feature guest spots from top talent including John Sheard (CBC's Vinyl Cafe) on piano, Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Natalie McMaster) on the violin, and Tom Keenlyside (Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Jones, Diana Krall) on sax. Rather a family affair, Don't Be Ashamed is being produced by Howie's great-nephew; singer songwriter Reid Jamieson (Toronto/Victoria) who just moved to Howie's old stomping grounds in Vancouver. This meeting of the musical mojo will culminate in a once in a lifetime afternoon show at Hermann's Jazz Club on Saturday February 2nd, 2008 with Reid opening the festivities. The last time they played together at the Queen Mother a year previous; was a sold out success that surely inspired this new opus. You won’t want to miss Howie's big moment in the spotlight, so book yourself a comfy seat now. Proceeds from the door to local charities.
Howie James is a legendary but extremely humble entertainer, who made his name back in the sixties and seventies by resurrecting the old Quadra Club in Vancouver, and defining nightlife at hot spots like The Livingroom and the Coach House. His smooth vocals and remarkable guitar stylings were a mainstay of Canada's night clubs and hotel lounges for several decades, garnering him praise from critics and fans alike.
Although a natural born entertainer, Howie is actually quite shy and has never looked for fame. But despite his humble ways, and only a couple of early recordings, his name and reputation are well know by those with a taste for class acts. Currently living with his lovely wife on Vancouver Island, he continues to gig with his gorgeous 1950's Gibson in hand, the very same one he has played for much of his career.
Howie was born on February 6th, 75 years ago. He was raised in the small northern town of Powassan Ontario. His father played the fiddle.
In a typical effort to make things easier on folks, Howie shortened his last name from Jamieson to James.
His great nephew Reid Jamieson is a fellow performer who lives on Vancouver Island as well.
Howie was in the artillery during the Korean war from January 1951 to November 1953. He was an instuctor in parade square drill, heavy guns, radar and small arms. Mostly stationed in Victoria at Work Point and Gordon Head.
Howie was on the Cross Canada Barn Dance With Evan Kemp for 3 months in 1962. This was a national broadcast which went coast to coast. Howie was a back up singer, soloist and rhythm guitarist. One of our guests on the show was Johnny Cash.
Howie once sang a duet with Leonard Nimoy (Spock!) in Vancouver at a CBC kids telethon in 69 or 70. They performed 'Cottonfields'. Howie performed on CBC television regularly at that time.
Howie was once a model for the Hudson's Bay Companybr>
One of his greatest heroes is the fabulous Tony Bennett.
In Vancouver and on the Island here, Howie has shared the stage with some great people such as Buff Allan, John Capon, Bill Cave, Pat Coleman, Wayne Finucan, Ray Haynes, Ken Lister, Henry Young and many more.
Howie shares a manager with his nephew Reid, Carolyn V. Mill who he affectionately calls 'the Colonel'. .
May you and your Loved ones have Peace and Love this Christmas season. May you always have the Love of our Lord on your side to lead and guide you always. God Bless and keep you my friend.
