New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Warp Records) - While the influences that infused Jamie Lidell's sophomore stunner, Multiply, are still present and correct on Jim - it's a bolder, more promiscuously diverse album, with Jamie restlessly shifting across gospel, disco and even folk, and that chunk of 'hillbilly funk' thrown in for good measure. "I prefer to think of it as timeless material," Jamie says, "I haven't tried to hide the influences. This is the music I love."
Bird-song and an up-beat gospel groove kick things off on "Another Day," the most gloriously wise and positive song ever to be written whilst ripped on Laphroaig whisky. "Little Bit Of Feel Good" (the first single), a funked-up writing collaboration with Andre Vida, is a "dedication of a love with a sensory backdrop." Unusual instruments flesh things out, including a talk-box and a Moroccan coconut flute, an example of some of the humorous touches that percolate through Jim - "I wanted to add lot more Sesame Street this time." The deep synth-and-percussion driven disco-funk of "Figured Me Out" is elaborated out of a 'sound-shape' which Jamie was obsessed with; the lyrics were part-inspired by a literary detective novel by Ryu Murakami; and legendary percussionist Alex Acuna was enlisted to enhance the groove - "Justin (Stanley) has a massive phone book and he knows exactly the right people to call."
Jamie Lidell's taking his live performance to North America this Fall. Jim requires a very new approach to his show, and Jamie's been experimenting with different musical combinations, looking for a band that can reflect the vibrancy and richness of the album, whilst allowing the songs to breathe differently each night. It's clear that the live Jim experience will be something very special indeed.
Jamie Lidell Tour Dates
* Janelle Monae supports on dates marked with an asterisk.
Sep 26 - Austin City Limits, Austin, Texas
Sep 26 - The Parish, Austin, Texas
Sep 29 - Avalon, Los Angeles, California *
Sep 30 - The Fillmore, San Francisco, California *
Oct 1 - Wonder Ballroom, Portland, Oregon *
Oct 3 - Showbox, Seattle, Washington *
Oct 4 - Plaza, Vancouver
Oct 7 - Varsity, Minneapolis, Minnesota *
Oct 8 - Metro, Chicago, Illinois *
Oct 9 - Muzik, Toronto
Oct 10 - Olympia de Montreal, Montreal
Oct 11 - Hamilton College, Clinton, New York
Oct 12 - Paradise, Boston, Massachusetts *
Oct 14 - Highline Ballroom, New York, New York - $25 Advance Tickets
Oct 15 - Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York - $25 Advance Tickets
