JIMMIE SPHEERIS was a circus kid. His mother and father owned and operated a roving carnival called the Majick Empire. His early years were spent moving from town to town "living like gypsies", as he often put it. And when you listen to his music you can hear the inspiration from those early years of colorful transience.
After the death of his father (shot by a belligerent carnival-goer), Jimmies family eventually settled in Southern California, where he won his first guitar in a music contest in school at the age of 14. And although Jimmies teachers were in awe of his abundant talent, they kicked him out of school for his long hair. Afterwards and long before musical success, Jimmie used to assemble kaleidoscopes with longtime friend Jackson Browne - as Jimmie said, "so we could make enough money to go to San Francisco to be hippies."
In the late 60s, Jimmie moved to New York City and lived in heart of its creative haven, The Village. He quickly became friends with Ritchie Havens and other folk rock performers and spent several years developing his songwriting and musical style within that highly artistic atmosphere. It was there that Jimmie was signed to his first record contract with Columbia Records by legendary music man Clive Davis in 1970. In 1971 his first album "Isle Of View" was released and quickly became popular with early underground rock stations. Jimmie will always be remembered as one of the staples of progressive-rock radio. Throughout the 70s his song "I Am The Mercury" was always in heavy rotation at those early underground stations.
Jimmies second album "The Original Tap Dancing Kid" was produced by Felix Cavilar, lead singer (and Hammond B-3 wizard) with the "Rascals". Released in 1972, and as with "Isle Of View", this album was recorded in New York City. Although this album was a bit more polished than his first, Jimmies songwriting was rapidly evolving - with songs like "Moon On The Water" and "Streets Of The Harbour" it was undeniable that Jimmie Spheeris was one of the most innovative artists of his day.
By the time he released his third (and some say his most magical) album in 1975, "The Dragon Is Dancing", Jimmie Spheeris had evolved his style into a very colorful dark mystical place. His lyrics had become more introspective - it is in this album he sings of his childhood carnival days and the darker side of humanity. This album was produced in Los Angeles by legendary producer, Henry Lewy. While recording this album it was not unusual for Jimmies friends, Joni Mitchell and Peggy Lee to show up at the studio. This was a very exciting time in Jimmies life with a new record label (Epic) and a new manager and a new place to call home, where he would spend the rest of his days - Venice Beach.
To Jimmie, living in Venice Beach was like coming home. The carnival-like atmosphere reminded him of his youth on the road with the circus. And Jimmie fit right in with the wild street characters, the seedy bars and the ocean. It was in Venice Jimmie began writing the songs which would become his fourth album, "Ports Of The Heart". Also, this was a time of much touring and during one of his one-niters, Jimmie fell head over heels in love with the city of New Orleans. Again, it was like he had found a second home - another place that seemed to practice the carnival-like lifestyle he was accustomed to. You can hear the influence of Venice and New Orleans in this album. Released in 1976 and produced by his longtime friend from the "Isle Of View" album, David Campbell, "Ports Of The Heart" was full of hope and future.
After touring a few years with The Moody Blues and right before the release of his fifth (still unreleased) album, Jimmie Spheeris was killed on July 4, 1984 in Venice Beach by a drunk driver. On that day, the world lost one of its truest musical clowns. Jimmie knew why he was here - his purpose was to make us laugh, cry, feel and maybe see that our lives can be much more than the dreary lives we are taught to live - that there are wonderful universes out there for the taking. There will never be anyone quite like him - long lanky legs, baggy pants, mystical, abundantly aesthetic, charismatic, a true carnie, a true artist - and probably the most magical singer/songwriter of our time.
Band Members: Jimmie Spheeris-Acoustic guitar, piano, vocals Geoff Levin- Electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals Johnny Pierce- Bass guitar, backing vocals Jime Cowger- Sax, flute, clarinet, piano Pug Baker- Drums
Product Description
Legendary recording artist Jimmie Spheeris released 4 albums in the 1970s that became staples of the "underground" FM radio from that era. Tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1984, Jimmies music fell out of print until 1998, when a groundbreaking effort by thousands of online fans made a CD reissue of Jimmies catalog possible through Rain Records and Sony Music.
Rain Records is proud to announce the release of this new LIVE Double CD, originally recorded in concert at Willimantic, Connecticut, in 1976. The package design features a unique "mini-poster" insert that unfolds to reveal rare photos of Jimmie and the band, plus extensive liner notes by Johnny Pierce, executive producer of the project and Jimmies bass player on the album.
Longtime fans and a new generation of awakened listener can now experience the magic of a Jimmie Spheeris concert as if they're sitting front row center.
An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris,Jimmie Spheeris,Rain Records,Pop,Rock,Singer/Songwriter
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An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris
Jimmie Spheeris Manufacturer: Rain Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Pop
| Styles
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Singer-Songwriters
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Live Albums
| Rock
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| Music
General
| Pop
| Indie Music
| Stores
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General
| Rock
| Indie Music
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ASIN: B00004LMJ2 Release Date: 1999-10-15 |
Tracks:
- Monte Luna
- Play That Song (Previously Unreleased)
- Nightingale Come Sail
- Let It Flow
- Seeds Of Spring
- Tequila Moonlight
- Emerald And The Dream Dance
- Hills In My Head
- Ain't No Use In Walkin' (When You Can Stroll)(Previously Unreleased)
- It's All In The Game
- Rosie's Night Out (Previously Unreleased)
- The Dragon Is Dancing
- Since I Fell For You (Previously Unreleased)
- I Am The Mercury
- Eternity Spin
- The Original Tap Dancing Kid
- The Nest
Album Description
Legendary recording artist Jimmie Spheeris released 4 albums in the 1970s that became staples of the "underground" FM radio from that era. Tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1984, Jimmies music fell out of print until 1998, when a groundbreaking effort by thousands of online fans made a CD reissue of Jimmies catalog possible through Rain Records and Sony Music.Rain Records is proud to announce the release of this new LIVE Double CD, originally recorded in concert at Willimantic, Connecticut, in 1976. The package design features a unique "mini-poster" insert that unfolds to reveal rare photos of Jimmie and the band, plus extensive liner notes by Johnny Pierce, executive producer of the project and Jimmies bass player on the album.
Longtime fans and a new generation of awakened listener can now experience the magic of a Jimmie Spheeris concert as if they're sitting front row center.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent show, fair recording.......2006-09-15
Great band, great atmosphere, great show. One question thoough-this was supposed to be recorded at the "Uptown Theater" in Willimantic, CT in 1977. I don't recall any Uptown Theater in Willimantic and towards the end of the show Spheeris mentions the Shaboo Lounge. The Shaboo was a now legendary nightclub in Willimantic that burned down in the late 70's, it held maybe 100-150 people. I'm betting that the Shaboo was the venue.
Good Jimmie but..........2005-03-30
I definate must for true Spheeris fans but if you can find The Dragon is Dancing You will be better served. A must for collectors! ThiS is the only know live recording of the man and his music. ExcelLent spin!
A bargain at any price.......2004-10-08
Unfortunately, following Jimmie's death in 1984, his music had little chance to expand its audience, and when Rain Records finally fought its way through red tape to rerelease his stuff, old fans like me bought them and treasure them like gold. Limited printings have dried up, and are now rare. Better grab 'em while you can.
Listen to the snippets of tracks provided on this page and you can hear the quality of this recording, a "new" live two-CD release since it was never put out until Rain Records came along. It's complete joy to hear this magic man perform his beautifully fascinating music with his band in a club setting, and despite apologetic liner notes about the quality of the recording, only a couple of times is any minor problem noticeable. (The recording was made for a "live" radio broadcast on the East Coast and had been shelved in Johnny Pierce's vault for all these years, thank God!)
Live versions of most of his best recordings are here, mostly at least adequate and often inspiring in their newness as compared to the well-worn studio versions. The major prize here, however, is the biographical "It Ain't No Use In Walkin'," which is about his mother's life and their relationship. Absolutely fabulous track, which alone could win new Spheeris fans. It's an anthem.
Re-releasing CDs has become a way for artists who were once obscure to find a new audience. It has also become a way for fans to update their libraries of artists whose music was out of print. Spheeris falls into the latter category more than the first, unfortunately. His life would make a wonderful motion picture, and I dearly wish the project would be undertaken by some talented soul with a passion for this brilliant musician. Until then, this CD makes up for the passage of years, in spades.
a lost album refound.......2003-03-19
So Good It Leaves You Wanting More.......2000-05-07
But I always regretted that I never got the chance to see and hear Jimmie and his band play live. Until now. Because An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris captures everything a Spheeris fan could ask for and presents it in one of the most enjoyable live CD experiences I've ever heard.
It's a double-CD, so the set is nice and long. The band is in top form, and since the concert was recorded by an FM radio station for broadcast (remember when that was a common thing?), the sound quality is quite good. Jimmie and the band cover most of what was then his latest release, Ports of the Heart, as well as nearly all of the best tracks from his three previous albums.
And perhaps best of all, the dialogue between Jimmie and the audience is left intact, so you not only get to hear his intros to each song, you really get to experience the full atmosphere of an intimate concert experience--and it's obvious, from the DJ's introduction at the beginning of track one to audience reaction throughout the recording that not only does everyone very much appreciate the great music that's goin' down, but that this evening's performance was a much-anticipated event.
An Evening With Jimmie Spheeris not only captures a live band at its peak playing wonderful music, but a point in time when we all still dreamed big dreams, believed we could really change the world, and that better days were ahead. What more could you ask for in a concert CD?
Average customer rating:
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An Evening with Jimmie Spheeris
Jimmie Spheeris Manufacturer: The Orchard ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Live Albums
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00004S58T Release Date: 2000-03-11 |
Tracks:
- Monte Luna
- Play That Song
- Nightingale Come Sail
- Let It Flow
- Seeds Of Spring
- Tequila Moonlight
- Emerald And The Dream Dance
- Hills In My Head
- Ain't No Use In Walkin' (When You Can Stroll)
Tracks:
- It's All In The Game
- Rosie's Night Out
- The Dragon Is Dancing
- Since If Fell For You
- I Am The Mercury
- Eternity Spin
- The Original Tap Dancing Kid
- The Nest
Customer Reviews:
The Man was Smooth.......2000-04-20
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