Jim Page (Seattle) April 9, 2008

JIM PAGE
http://www.myspace.com/seattlejimpage
http://www.jimpage.net



Born: Palo Alto, California
Raised: San Jose, California

Began playing guitar at 15. Went to New York in 1970, Seattle in '71. Changed street singing laws in '74. Went to Europe in '77, began touring and living abroad. Returned to Seattle in 1983 where he still lives.

After seeing him perform at the High Sierra Music Festival in the summer of ‘97, Rob Bleetstein of Gavin wrote:
“Jim Page is a lyrical genius with a guitar. This man personifies the word ‘free-flow.’ Page takes to the mic and the song invents itself on the spot; his talent is a natural wonder.”

And in any of the many countries, from the countless tours and stages he has played people say the same. “A truly amazing man...one of the great originals. Ignore him at your peril.” - Hot Press, Dublin

Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, J.J. Cale, Robert Hunter, Chuck Brodsky, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.

Often cited for his biting political pieces he is in constant demand by the social movements of the day.
“More reminiscent of the Woody Guthrie I heard as a boy than anyone I’ve listened to in the intervening years” - Philip Elwood, San Francisco Examiner

“A master of the craft of song writing, a wicked guitar player and the most relevant topical musician of his day.” - Casey Neill, Earth First! Journal

Jim easily fits into the concert hall or the class room. Brian Tokar, Goddard College: “Even the most skeptical students were convinced by the end of class that, in your able hands, the rich tradition of topical song writing is alive and well in the late 1990s. Your songs bring a phenomenal mix of humor, irony and lyrical brilliance to exposing the outrages and absurdities of our times.”

Or in the house concert. Peter Sussman, Duncan, British Columbia: “Jim is truly one of the best song writers of our day....the range of his creations is extremely broad and runs the gamut from biting satire to beautiful, sensitive love songs. He must be heard.”

And of course, at the festivals sitting in with his electric friends:
“The best had to be when that wonderful folksinger Jim Page joined the mainstage outdoor closer Leftover Salmon. He strums a few chords to get them started and then they build the melody up. Jim starts to improvise lyrics... And all of Leftover Salmon is grinning ear-to-ear. I’ve seen 1500-plus concerts and that moment was as wonderful a band/audience connection as I’ve ever witnessed.” - Dupree’s Diamond News

WHAT THEY SAY

“Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.”
- Bonnie Raitt

“Every now and again I encounter a singer who gives me a glimmer of hope. Jim Page carries the light.”
- Christy Moore
“Searing, compassionate lyrics, with an always rightfully placed ironic or humorous note; Jim Page's words, like his music, are for both the mind and soul. He urges us to live our lives to their fullest, and, reassures those who do.”
- Winona LaDuke

"Many songwriters have been an influence, but somehow for me it was out of reach. Jim Page was the one to bring songwriting within my reach. Watching and listening to him make his songs started me thinking about it. Making coherency with words and music, Jim taught me a lesson.”
- John Trudell

“Jim Page's music is the kind of great theater that makes you sit on the edge of your seat. One of my favorite writers and performers...always on the money, and always amazing.”
- Caroline Aiken

“Jim Page is a lyrical genius with a guitar. This man personifies the word ‘free-flow.’ Page takes to the mic and the song invents itself on the spot; his talent is a natural wonder.”
- Gavin

“The best had to be when that wonderful folksinger Jim Page joined the mainstage outdoor closer Leftover Salmon. He strums a few chords to get them started and then they build the melody up. Jim starts to improvise lyrics... And all of Leftover Salmon is grinning ear-to-ear. I’ve seen 1500-plus concerts and that moment was as wonderful a band/audience connection as I’ve ever witnessed.”
- Dupree's Diamond News

“If Jim Page ain’t the bastard son of Woody Guthrie I’m T-Bone Walker”
- Robert Hunter

“The forests of the Northwest resonate with the music of Jim Page. His ability to holistically understand and passionately sing and play about the issues facing our forests and our world is compelling and inspirational. Listening to his music I find myself crying one minute and laughing the next. Jim Page's music takes you on a journey of self-discovery.”
- Julia Butterfly Hill

“Jim Page’s songs get right to the point. He looks at the world clearly and reports what he sees with compassion, humor and a biting sense of irony. And boy! can he sing and play. If you’re ever going to get the message, this is the messenger to get it from.”
- U. Utah Phillips

Official Website: http://www.jimpage.net