“For those of you who miss Townes Van Zandt, let me introduce Jim Bush. Familiar phrasing and delivery, yes, but there are two distinct and powerful differences that make Jim Bush a troubadour for our times. First, he leans a little more toward the country and the occasional bluegrass feel, which wasn’t really Townes’ thing, and second, his lyrics, while containing some vagueness, get quite to the point, painting succinct pictures in the mind. If you’ve read any of my hundreds of reviews, you’ll know that I don’t typically like making these types of comparisons. However, I think Jim Bush and Townes once shook hands and a bit of each other spilled into the other, edifying and enhancing each. Bush is not the Van Zandt incarnate, actually far from it, but rather stands on his own as one of the great songwriters of our time. Bush’s 2003 release, “LOVE, TIME & DISTANCE,” contains twelve such offerings, including the soon-to-be classic “Sixes” which tells the story of a dice game gone bad. “Ouachita “Rain” is one of the most moving songs I’ve heard from this genre, and “Till I See Marie” might be the best train song-turned-love song ever written. My advice to all performers out there is to cover a Jim Bush tune. (Please pay him for it) To music fans of Townes, Blaze, Fromholz, Bell (Wrecks or Vince) and new fans of JT Van Zandt… here’s your next purchase. –Lucky Boyd, My Texas Music
“They’re great songs. Well written, and it’s a great CD.” -Ray Wylie Hubbard, during his radio program interview with Jim on KNBT, New Braunfels
“I was just knocked out by his songs.” -John Inmon, guitar legend of Lost Gonzo fame, and producer of Jim’s CD
“…reminds me of John Prine, Warren Zevon, and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Music like that. Lyrics always insightful and sometimes elegiac, often witty but seriously thought provoking.” -Marquetta Herring, Lone Star Web station, Kitchen News
“Bush can sound startlingly like Townes Van Zandt on his debut CD, “Love, Time & Distance,” somewhere between TVZ’s silly jokes and the depression.” -Tom Geddie, review in “Buddy” magazine
“Jim is one of the most creative songwriters we have ever met. After hearing him play, it is guaranteed you will be walking around singing his songs to yourself. His songs are full of real life and humor, and just plain good.” David and Lois Byboth, hosts of Texas Nights North House Concerts
“We were just blown away at the range and depth of his music. The CD captures Jim at his very best. Takes the listener on a ride with the stories he tells through his songs. He paints the picture in your mind and you can identify with every song.” -David Ross and Carey Dean, review in their music column, Corsicana Daily Sun
“LOVE the album. Great sound, great songs.” -Bill Oliver, singer/songwriter, environmental troubadour
“One of the most extraordinary and prolific songwriters we’ve had the pleasure to know. We’re overjoyed to have had the opportunity to perform with him, and to record some of his songs as well. His first ‘official’ CD, produced by John Inmon, is a wonderful musical experience, and a sign of more great things to come.” -Chip and Jonna Woodburn, Texas singer/songwriters
“Jim hails from Waxahachie and is one of the most impressive songwriters you have never heard of and I am serious when I say that. His songs are rooted in his love of the outdoors and nature and will blow you away with the imagery he conjures up.” -Nacogdoches Red, host of The Pine Knot Music Co-Op concert series
Jim grew up in the small farming community of Powell, Texas, which is located in the middle of a cotton field. It is the subject of his song, “Little Bitty Town.” He practiced his singing while guiding a John Deere tractor down the long, summer rows. Musical influences include hymns, Hank Williams and Bob Dylan, plus everybody and everything Jim has encountered along life’s winding trail.
After writing songs for most of his life and having a number of them recorded by other artists, he has finally offered his own interpretations on his CD, “Love, Time & Distance.” This work has received critical acclaim from reviewers and other artists. The project had its beginning when legendary guitarist John Inmon (of Lost Gonzo and Jerry Jeff Walker fame) heard Jim performing the songs around a campfire and expressed enthusiasm for producing a CD. “After talking with John about his ideas for presenting the songs, I quickly knew he was the one for the job,” Jim notes. “His vision for the project was identical to mine. We agreed that the last thing we wanted was some over-polished, over-produced recording, and I’m very pleased with how it turned out.”
A big reason for the success of the project was the stellar cast of musicians that Inmon rounded up to play on the recording. They include Lloyd Maines on dobro and pedal steel, Richard Bowden on fiddle and mandolin, Paul Pearcy on drums, Mark Harris on upright bass, Kim Deschamps on dobro and banjo, Jonna Woodburn providing harmony vocals, and Inmon on guitar. The recording was done live over just a two-day period at Flashpoint Studio in Austin.
“I was determined to put 12 of my best songs on the CD,” says Jim. “I wanted the recording to represent the variety in my writing, and I was adamant that there be no filler songs. Judging from feedback I’ve received, I believe I succeeded. Nearly everyone who listens to the CD has a different favorite song.
The CD has received considerable play on a number of area radio stations, especially KNON in Dallas. The songs and CD have been praised by a number of stalwarts in Texas music, including Ray Wylie Hubbard. Jim has opened shows for Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver and Tommy Alverson.
As it says in the liner notes, “This CD represents a dream long in the dreaming.”
Jim Bush resides in Waxahachie and performs regularly at a number of area venues.
Hi Jim- just stoppping by to say howdy. I've got my band up here learning MISSISSIPPI BACKSTEP BLUES. It's coming together nicely and we're aiming for an hour spot during a local honky-tonk night where we'll slip it in to the mix. Happy Weekend, Beth
