~ Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC ~
Performer:
Multi-faceted Jim Armstrong has had much success since Sonic Deli Records launched his solo debut Mudtown in 2007, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Waits, Randy Bachman and Steve Earle.
He has composed music for many independent feature and corporate films and his more recent song “Sanctuary” has even been included in the soundtrack of episode nine of the new CBC prime time television series, MVP; The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives.
Jim is backed by The Sonic Deli Band which includes the incredibly talented and seasoned Wes Miller on bass, drummer Alvin Lapp, (who did a 3 year stint with Buddy Guy, and has done studio and tour support with The Jayhawks, Jackson Browne, Colin James, Goo Goo Dolls, The Quakes…), and Phil Kane aka the Windsor Twister (Jeff Healey, Michael Buble) on lead guitar.
Producer/Songwriter:
Jim Armstrong is the core and catalyst of The Sonic Deli Inc / Sonic Deli Records, a Toronto-based music production house and independent record label.
A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and producer, Armstrong began his musical career as a touring drummer at age 10.
Over the past three decades, his work has included; live performances, radio play, extensive songwriting with and for a number of artists, recording, engineering, arranging and producing independent commercial releases.
Together with his songwriting and business partner, Andrea Poulis, who has a background in film production, Jim Armstrong composes independent film scores and they have an extensive publishing catalogue available for film and television licensing.
About Mudtown:
The title and driving spirit of Jim Armstrong’s Mudtown CD were born during his wanderings through downtown Toronto, where he lives, works and walks his dogs. Armstrong explains, "Life can be dirty, rough and mean, but there's a breed of people who struggle against the grind and somehow keep their humanity. They don't get hard, like the city, and that's what makes Mudtown livable."
"Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.” — Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM
He defends the underdog through his music by dispelling the modern myth of perfection. This is an album that the working class will understand. He writes songs about real characters from everyday life, singing their stories with passion.
Straightforward but rock-solid guitar, bass and drums dominate the tracks. Musical chops are provided by Armstrong himself (guitar, drums, keys, harmonica and more), unshakable bassist Wes Miller, backup vocalist Rob Maurin, and a roster of guests on backing vocals (Debbie Shessel, Amer Diab, Jennifer Claveau) and on lead guitar including Bruce Dies, Ron Bechard, Kenji Miura (aka Kenmi Chank) and Phil Kane.
Up-tempo tracks like “She Spins Around,” sentimental tunes like “I’m Coming Home,” and the sing-along “Gypsy” are gestures to mainstream rock-pop. The image-rich “When it Rains” broods darkly in an alt-rock corner, while “Heaven Only Knows” is a rock-and-roll adrenaline kick.
Jim Armstrong -- Select media and testimonials:
AmericanaOK host Tom Fahey says [of Mudtown] "...this album is a real grower...that's a very beautiful song there, Tomorrow's Gonna Be Grand, from a very fine album indeed.”
Rene Leverink, AltCountryNL: “…let’s not beat around the bush; “Mudtown” is a beautiful record…”
Jan Janssen, Real Roots Café: “…Armstrong reveals that he is not only a skilled songwriter but also a fine multi-instrumentalist and producer…beautiful radio songs…this is almost an hour of pure rock and roll adrenalin kick…”
Benny Metten, CtrlAltCountry: “…with Mudtown he [Armstrong] steps out onto the floor and he does so particularly well…brings to mind the work of masters Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seeger, Tom Petty and compatriot Fred Eaglesmith.”
Chip Frazier, Twangville/ Amber Waves of Twang:”… to call it a solo album is an understatement since Armstrong wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, produced the album and played most of the instruments himself. The result of this tightly controlled process is an infectious hook laden Americana album.”
Chris White, publisher, Party In Kingston: “… Mudtown is 13 highly clever tracks…witty lyrics, innuendos and inspiring messages…closest to a conceptual album I’ve heard in years…highly recommended for your audio library.”
Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues: “…Armstrong is vibrant, fresh and enthusiastic…I haven’t heard an album that sounds this crisp, with such spectacular production, in a long time…”
Todd Wachtel, The Jersey Toddshow: I can't stop playing this album [Mudtown]. I highly recommend it. Jim's got a wonderfully unique feel to him, and sets a fantastically cool mood.
Bert Gagnon, Neon Productions Radio, Musictogousa.com “…Even though this is Jim Armstrong's first solo album, Jim is no novice to the music arena and it is very apparent as he has hit a homerun his first time out. Here is another artist that will be on our playlists for many years.”
Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM: “"Freed of some of the shackles of epilepsy, this gifted song-writer and multi-instrumentalist, with shades of Waits and Bachman, played his first live gig (post-op) at Healey's… Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.”
Kelly Dearmore, The Gobblers Knob: “…Jim Armstrong's latest CD, Mudtown is a worthy listen….What struck me the most about Mudtown was how the disc seemed to effortlessly transition from bluesy-rockers like "Heaven Only Knows" and softer, more thoughtful alt-country tunes such as "I'm Coming Home".”
Bruce / The Promise Live365.com: “… Jim Armstrong - Mudtown (2007) Straight from the heartland... You know... Toronto, Canada. With his slightly gravely voice and straight ahead attack, this is rock and roll that makes you think of Mellencamp or even Melissa. If you close your eyes you can see these guys playing live in a small club opening for someone, when they really should be the main attraction. Good songwriting. Good sense of rock and roll. Find out more at Sonic Deli Records (love that name).”
Keith Ross Leckie, Emmy and Gemini award-winning writer/producer (Lost In The Barrens, Journey Into Darkness, The Arrow): “Over the years Jim Armstrong's music continues to surprise and entertain me. His first album "Brown Bag Lunch" revealed a strong and confident talent as a musician, singer, songwriter and arranger in different genres. And now his new album, "Mudtown", fulfills that promise again. I find myself looking for films to make that can take advantage of Jim's accomplished music.”
E. Thomas Canton, Director/Producer: "As the director and producer … I found that working with Jim Armstrong and Andrea Poulis was not a matter of simply that the songs and the music created for The Adulterers’ Guide to Toronto were without a doubt Oscar caliber … I dare anyone not to agree with me."
Myrocia Watamaniuk, television host for Rogers Daytime Toronto: “When Jim sings, you know he’s singing from his heart.”
Jon Long (of the national Long & McQuade musical instruments stores): "Jim is an incredibly talented musician. His music needs to be heard."
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