Larry, I've been listening to the Voicemasters series these last few days, and I want to thank you again for these wonderful CD's. They are not only fantastic, but they seem to get better everytime I listen to them! Jim's long lost radio shows are a treasure to have, and the sound restoration is excellent! They are really a joy to listen to. We never would have heard these if it wasn't for your efforts and true appreciation for Jim's music. This can also be said for the many unreleased songs and alternate takes that I, for one, never knew existed! And finally, the wonderful overdubs by world class musicians that compliment Jim's vocals by giving each song a fresh,new sound. Hope to see more releases soon!...
Re: Thank you, Larry...
Posted by Larry Jordan on January 12, 2024, 5:15 pm, in reply to "Thank you, Larry..."
Thanks for the compliments.
It's been fun and hardly seems like work at all when I get to handle Jim's tracks, whether it be previously unreleased material or songs that we are re-working. I am very blessed because I know I am dealing with one of the greatest singers of all time.
I take great care to always respect his artistry and him as a man. Leo Jackson, as you may know, was a very blunt individual who laced his speech with a lot of profanities. He spoke his mind, believe me. He would tell you if he thought you screwed up. With regard to one track, he said "you didn't do any favors for that song." (I won't mention the rest of what he said!) He raved about my overdub of "Gypsy Feet" and thought it turned out great. In fact, I think it was his favorite.
I am proud of the fact that he always said I got Jim's voice right. That the EQuing, placement and sound level were correct -- And Leo would know, because he so often stood at Jim's right elbow, a little behind him, on stages all over the world. He also used to reminisce about how Jim would sing songs on the bus that he never recorded and even if he didn't fully know a song, he always sang with perfection. Leo remained in awe of the master. And so do I.
I was listening to Jim a couple of days ago and was thinking, "I can't believe that anyone could sing so well". But Jim could. After all these years, and the hundreds of hours listening to him, he still amazes me.
Couldn't agree more Gary. In particular if you listen to Jim's Christmas album there is one song, at least for me, that the ending says it all. His phrasing and timing says it all in how Jim worked this song in a manner that was always so typical of his unique talent.
The very last phrase "That's Why There's A Christmas Day"....Just listen how Jim can caress the last word "Day" and hold the timing just perfect. Hauntingly beautiful. NO ONE can match this in the many years since this song was recorded in 1963. At least I have never heard an equal. Give it a listen see if you agree. Simply the best !! But remember this is only one example of hundreds more that are there in Jim's recordings. Thank You