"One of the most interesting performers of cowboy music in the new century is Canada's Jim Reader. From his material to his gritty delivery of it, he's an original. I'd be tempted to call him cowboy music's Bob Dylan or Neil Young, but Reader hits more of the notes! Seriously, the depth of thought and guitar technique equate to such artists.
As was the case with Reader's debut album from a few years back, many of his songs have sort of an experimental or push-the-envelope edge in lyric content and arrangement. Never fear! It's all still true "Cowboy," but let's just say this cowboy's not afraid to hose out the stable.
Borrowing a page from the Gatlin Brothers' "Broken Lady," Reader gives a harmonized a cappella intro to "We Got Us A Trail Drive" that sets it off nicely. Probably more than one of his songs will be picked up by other adventurous performers. Give Jim Reader a spin."
Rick Huff, Albuquerque, NM, Western Music Critic
'Rope Burns', 'Classic Country & Western' and 'The Western Way' Magazines
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"Jim Reader is
one of the more original Western Writers around."
"Reader has a phenomenal guitar talent and knack for
writing lyrics that revolve around working cowboys and
ranch life." "This boy's music has heart, where in blue blazes has he
been hidin'?" "When
I think of a working rancher who can write, sing, pick and perform, Jim
is at the top of my list. This Alberta cowboy can do it all. His album The Bar H
is excellent because you can believe what he has written and sings.
Only a true cowboy can do that. He really comes to life when he
performs on stage with talent, energy, and a personality that draws his
audience's attention immediately. This artist's talent and ability
knows no limits!" "I
hear a ton of cowboy music every day but some time in a great while some
cowboy emerges from Canada and starts this cycle all over and it makes a
person wonder "why have I not heard of Jim Reader until now",
well let me tell you folks, some things in life are well worth the wait.
Jim's music is the real thing, I would recommend this album to be
included in every western music library." "Jim Reader is one of
those guys with a ton of talent and potential coming out the ears!"
“Exciting,
soulful, witty, and picturesque songwriting corraled
with gutsy and melodic guitar pickin' .
Authentic cowboy music at it's best for sure.
He gives his audience a soulful
gift straight from the heart!
Jim Reader is ridin' high in the saddle with
the greatest western cowboy performers today.”
Emele Clothier, Horse Crazy Cowgirl
Band, WA
“Jim’s songs swing into your heart with true history of
the Cowboy. This is great music!”
" A songwriter's songwriter." "Jim is a distinctive ‘all-round’
artist . . . a prolific lyricist and songwriter . . . a dynamic vocalist . . . a
unique guitar picker . . . and a charismatic performer. It takes years to
develop an extensive repertoire of original music --- and Jim has it! He and his
show are ready-made!" "Jim received a standing
ovation from an enthusiastic crowd of over 100 . . . Entertaining for three
hours with his own lively assortment . . sometimes dreamy and romantic . .
sometimes humorous, and sometimes exuberantly upbeat." "Jim drifts back to our western heritage
and mingles it into his original material to mirror
contemporary western life as we know it. His voice has
a peaceful resonance which expounds that country feeling. A "Western Soul"
is deep in Jim's heart and his music
reflects that --- and so do his toe tapping feet when he forgets anyone's
there and he's lost in the place the song takes him. The
fun is he takes us with him." |