Jim Bryson interview

A Few Words with Jim Bryson

Jim Bryson will be opening for Dar Williams during her tour of the U.K. in late November and early December. He took a few minutes to introduce himself to Dar fans. You can hear some of his stuff and find out more about him and his activities at jimbryson.org.

DarWilliams.Net: Since this is for Dar Williams fans, tell us if you've played with Dar before or how this whole UK tour came together for you.
Jim Bryson: The whole UK thing came together when a record of mine was passed to her booking agent who then passed it to Bob Harris who started playing the record and then poof, I am on tour with Dar.

Do you know Dar's music?
Very little but I hear that it is great.

Have you played in the UK before?
No, but I have played in France.

Where are you from and how would you describe your music?
I am from [Canada's] capital city, Ottawa. I call my music Canadiana Americana. Well I don't, but my friend Tom calls it that.

Do you play solo or with a band - usually and on this UK tour?
I play with a band when money permits but play alot on my my on. This UK tour will be alone.

Is there anything you are really looking forward to about this tour to the UK?
Everthing is what I am looking forward to. It is all new to me. I am very excited indeed.

What's your latest CD and how many have you put out?
It is my self-titled record and I made 1500 independantly and now it is being taken over by a small label, Squaredog that puts out records for Oh Susanna.

What inspires you to write songs?
I have no idea, I like the way is feels to hear words together.

Who are some of your musical influences?
I like the music of Wilco, The Giant Sand, Nick Drake, Paul Westerberg and other stuff as well.

How old are you? 32
What's your sign? Taurus.

How long have you been playing music?
For a while, too a long time. Somewhere around there.

What kind of jobs did you do before you started playing full-time?
I work in a used music store, I used to work on skis and snowboards, I worked on golf courses, in K-mart, in a university residence, and other things.

Tell us an amusing tale of life so far.
Last week on tour I rolled over in my sleep and kissed my drummer on the cheek.

Describe a fun night for Jim Bryson.
I am not sure, many things can become fun and many fun things can be boring.

Have you ever been in jail?
Only in monopoly.

What was your first or favourite vehicle?
My 1994 Mazda 323 has been good to me.

What's your favourite line from one of your songs and someone else's song?
I do not have a favorite line but I like the line in one of my new songs that says: "Nobody talks, it seems 'cause everybody is watching TV." There is a good line in a Jeff Tweedy song that says: "I would like to salute, the ashes of American flags. And all the fallen leaves, filling up shopping bags."