I've just had a list of upcoming shows e-mailed from the Barfly club which says that Jim James is playing an acoustic show there on 29th September. It's at the Barfly Acoustic which is a tiny room above the Enterprise pub.
http://www.barflyclub.com/whatson/listings.asp?vn=2
Anyone know anything about this ?
Interesting. We'll have to watch the shows page for confirmation but that's just over a week away.
Fucking knew this would happen. The 29th September is literally the only night that i can't come to London to see them. So bloody typical.
So does this mean they'll be squeezing in a full MMJ show before the USA tour kicks off in London as well?
If anyone has any more information please come forth!
CCBaxter/Riny,
WTF is going on????????????
Nothing announced about this. Is it occuring???
When you go to the Barfly website, its there in all its glory, but when you smack the buy tickets buzzer, nowt happens.
Is this for real????????
don't know anything yet.
when news comes along i'll be posting it right away.
It's less than a week away now. Maybe it's not been announced here because it's such a small venue :-/
We couldn't go anyway at such short notice. Going to London is a bit of an expedition for us: organising cover at work; child care; transport costs etc. I hope some of you who live nearer get to see it - if it happens.
Has anybody called Barfly to see what they said?
I called the number on the website and it was their ticket agency who say they no nothing about it. :-/
I expect some details soon.
stay tuned...
I've phoned the Barfly direct now, but they are very vague about the whole thing.
From what I could understand, the Barfly are only providing the venue, but someone else is promoting the show. Who that was the guy I spoke to was unsure. He said that there'd be tickets on the door. I asked if I could buy tickets in advance and he said he didn't know who was handling that.
He said he'd try and find out some details over the weekend and to call back on Monday.
Thats the best I can do at the mo. :-/
Maybe it has something to do with Elizabethtown? Is that premiering in London anytime soon?
all info is now on the news+shows page!
See!
He DOES care about you guys/gals over there. I'm pretty sure that whatever happened that cause the other show to cancel was unavoidable.
I also think it seems awful considerate of him to fly over there to do one show RIGHT BEFORE they start what is going to be a pretty extensive tour of the states.
Most dudes would probably take the time to chill and collect themselves. The flight over there and back will probably be pretty tiresome.
Somebody in MMJ cares about you. :)
Just sayin'.
QuoteSee!
He DOES care about you guys/gals over there. I'm pretty sure that whatever happened that cause the other show to cancel was unavoidable.
I also think it seems awful considerate of him to fly over there to do one show RIGHT BEFORE they start what is going to be a pretty extensive tour of the states.
Most dudes would probably take the time to chill and collect themselves. The flight over there and back will probably be pretty tiresome.
Somebody in MMJ cares about you. :)
Just sayin'.
Feel the love!
YYYAAAAAYYYYY!!
(for real dith and greggy, you couldn't go? :()
I'm feeling the love and I'm booking the tickets!!!
Done!!! :) :D ;D
Thanks Riny.
QuoteSee!
He DOES care about you guys/gals over there. I'm pretty sure that whatever happened that cause the other show to cancel was unavoidable.
I also think it seems awful considerate of him to fly over there to do one show RIGHT BEFORE they start what is going to be a pretty extensive tour of the states.
Most dudes would probably take the time to chill and collect themselves. The flight over there and back will probably be pretty tiresome.
Somebody in MMJ cares about you. :)
Just sayin'.
Woah, you make it sound like we'd slagged Jim off or something. That never happened. Just sayin'.
QuoteYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!
(for real dith and greggy, you couldn't go? :()
no way at such short notice :'(
never mind - have a great time loper :D
Its a bummer, but as the good doctor says, no chance of getting it sorted in time.
Which is a real pity, given that my work is a pile of shite at the moment.
wordawg
Thanks doc.
No chance you can make it, now we know whats happening?
It would be interesting to know the background to this gig, bearing in mind the busy schedule Jim must currently have.
QuoteThanks doc.
No chance you can make it, now we know whats happening?
If we lived close enough to go for the evening it would be fine, but it means 2 days off work, arranging child care, sorting travel (you must know how exorbitant train fares are if you don't book weeks in advance) and a hotel room. We'll be with you in spirit - and expect a full review :D. Have a great time!
Doc,
You have to admit that a couple of people took it kind of personal and made comments about the band cancelling the other shows. Most people were just concerned that they had already dropped cash for expenses (which does indeed suck for all of those that had done that), but there were a couple of comments that seemed a little out of line. Or hell, maybe I just misinterpreted some of them.
I wasn't trying to start anything. Promise.
I love all of you.
:)
Quote
no way at such short notice :'(
never mind - have a great time loper :D
Oh mmmaaaaaann. That makes me really sad. :(
Can't you just quit? wordogetoutofthere?
QuoteI love all of you. :)
The feeling is mutual. :)
QuoteDoc,
You have to admit that a couple of people took it kind of personal and made comments about the band cancelling the other shows. Most people were just concerned that they had already dropped cash for expenses (which does indeed suck for all of those that had done that), but there were a couple of comments that seemed a little out of line. Or hell, maybe I just misinterpreted some of them.
I wasn't trying to start anything. Promise.
I love all of you.
:)
Fair enough. It just felt like a telling off, and the regular posters, indeed most of us disappointed fans, never said anything critical. Even the ones that were were just showing their frustration - this has happened two years in a row. I'm sure it's not the end of the world for any of them.
All is groovy :)
Quote
Can't you just quit? wordogetoutofthere?
We have a plan for that - unfortunately it involves a million to one chance of my premium bond number coming up :-/ But I'm concentrating really hard ::)
I didn't mean it that way, honest. :)
QuoteI didn't mean it that way, honest. :)
I know :)
Did anyone figure out how to get tickets? The link on the Barfly site still doesn't work
QuoteDid anyone figure out how to get tickets? The link on the Barfly site still doesn't work
check the news page, all info is there.
Quote
check the news page, all info is there.
That would make sense ;D Thanks.
I guess you are referring to my comments about cancelled shows. I still stand over them and maybe they helped Jim get his ass over to London quicker than expected. No use to those of us who have to travel from Ireland.
You just can't get a train from here to there.
Still haven't even got a refund on the tickets but ain't blaming anybody here for that. And if the shows were rescheduled and original tickets were still valid maybe it would be a different story.
QuoteI guess you are referring to my comments about cancelled shows. I still stand over them and maybe they helped Jim get his ass over to London quicker than expected. No use to those of us who have to travel from Ireland.
You just can't get a train from here to there.
You're right. I'm sure if was your comment that made this show happen. The entire country of England can thank you specifically for this show.
>:(
Quote
You're right. I'm sure if was your comment that made this show happen. The entire country of England can thank you specifically for this show.
>:(
Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Nelly!
It's sold out! And i can't go! Good news all round here. grrrrrreat.
Christ! That was quick! :o
'Maybe they helped'
Didn't expect a letter of thanks from her majesty or anything.
Shit. Hi, this is my first post and its in sheer desperation for some tickets for thursday. I cant believe it! I just sorted out getting there after days of jugglin shit around and ive just discovered its sold out - this cannot be happening!
Can anyone sort me out with a couple of tickets? Is there anywhere else i can get em from? :'(
I shouldn't think it would be possible. It's a small venue (capacity 200). Maybe they'll be back soon and we can all go :D
Welcome to the forum, by the way.
Quote'Maybe they helped'
Didn't expect a letter of thanks from her majesty or anything.
Apologies for being too aggressive. [smiley=afro.gif]
oh doc! i gotta et into that gig...somehow :-/ even if i have to sneak in the back door i gotta get in there!
thanks for the friendly welcome by the way :) i been reading this forum for a while and its just like one big happy family
It might be worth going along. They might have some tickets on the door but I wouldn't bank on it. Are you in London anyway?
yeah, theres gotta be some touts or someone needin to sell. im in edinburgh so its gonna be a 7 hour drive at best to get down there and i gotta be back for work on friday :o
You're probably right, there might be someone selling out front. I'm in Durham but I can't make it at such short notice. I'm happy to wait till the band come back. I'd love to see Jim but what I really crave is the band: the drums, the guitars; the sweat; the hair :D
I hope you get in, but have a back up just in case.
Congrats to all our British friends who can attend the solo show. I am glad you get to see Jim, so soon after the cancellations.
QuoteCongrats to all our British friends who can attend the solo show. I am glad you get to see Jim, so soon after the cancellations.
I'm guessing there won't be that many fans there. The announcement was too close to the show for most of us. It sold out quickly. The place only holds 200 people, and I think there'll be a good number who go regularly to see what's on. That's great for Jim though, exposure to new people (bound to become fans :))
Thanks Billo, most kind of you.
Will try to make a note (mental or otherwise) of the play list, assuming I haven't spent too long in the bar beforehand ::) [smiley=drunk.gif]
hey loper, dont suppose you know of any spare tickets floatin about? :-/
Sorry Damian, no I dont.
If you're based in London, then it might be worth the effort to turn up and see if there are any returns on the door.
It might also be a good idea to register on here as a member, that way, if anyone has a last minute hitch and can't go they can contact you personally via the message facility on the forum which is private and confidential.
As a guest you would propably be regarded as a long way down the food chain. [smiley=guitar.gif]
Wey hey!!! I've just become a senior member :D
Do I get a nice reward, like a MMJ baseball cap (or even socks)? [smiley=cowboy.gif]
QuoteDo I get a nice reward, like a MMJ baseball cap (or even socks)?
How 'bout a pimp? [smiley=pimp.gif]
Speaking of senior members, I'm about to get that old time feeling! Now let's find the right thread...
QuoteSpeaking of senior members, I'm about to get that old time feeling! Now let's find the right thread...
ooooh how exciting - i'll follow you there...
hey loper, im new to this forum malarkey and forgot to sign in - its me, the one lookin for the tickets. i do actually live very near london but study/work in edinburgh which is where i am right now. i was gonna drive down for the night but tis a bit far for the risk.
gutted.
Quotehey loper, im new to this forum malarkey and forgot to sign in - its me, the one lookin for the tickets. i do actually live very near london but study/work in edinburgh which is where i am right now. i was gonna drive down for the night but tis a bit far for the risk.
gutted.
I think it is too far for you to risk it. They'll be back and you'll enjoy them even more after the wait ;D
Quotehey loper, im new to this forum malarkey and forgot to sign in - its me, the one lookin for the tickets. i do actually live very near london but study/work in edinburgh which is where i am right now. i was gonna drive down for the night but tis a bit far for the risk.
gutted.
c-rap. hmmm... How can we get you tickets... hmmmm......
1. Call the ticketsellers and ask to be put on a wait list
2. Check ebay
3. Call pals in London and see if they can sort something out
There must be a way. That's preposterous. ;)
Does London generally have scalpers? (NOT repeat NOT that I condone such hideous and illegal activity, however, there's gotta be some tickets around, and those would be the dudes that would have 'em...)
I was gonna say that once again we get the crumbs from the table, but I've been down that road a few tmes before.
word
wow. im touched by the genuine concern for my apparently futile quest. this really is a forum of love :)
i emailed the venue but was advised not to risk it cos they doubt there'll be any on the door - was gonna ask bout touts but thought they might frown upon such queries.
i think ive come to terms with this dire situation now and i'll take lopers advice and wait patiently for the arrival of the greatest sound ever to grace my little ears.
(im still open to any ticket offers though ;))
i mean doc's advice :P
OK Dominski,
I think Doc's advice is sound. I had to miss the one London show last summer (2004) which hurt. If its any consolation, I'd sooner be hearing Jim solo for the 1st time in St James Church. The mix of Jim's voice and the ethereal acostics is an intoxicating cocktail for the imagination.
Lets hope that venue is still on the back burner. ::)
It would be nice if Riny could give some insight to Jim making such a great gesture for his UK fans.
This must be a hectic time for the guys. It seems a very sensitive and generous thing to do right now. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Hi all, I will be interviewing Jim before the show in London tomorrow, are there any questions that you would like me to ask?
:)
Does he have any beard grooming tips for any of us young beard-growing enthusiasts?
How many years of classical Omnichord training did it take to achieve such a level of proficiency as his?
Could you suck your glasses please? 8)
And oh yeah, anything about European tour plans!!!
Say that his Belgian fans want him to DJ for us. And play solo at our respective houses and churches.
I'm interested in his white fuzzy cape. Where did he get it?
QuoteHi all, I will be interviewing Jim before the show in London tomorrow, are there any questions that you would like me to ask?
:)
When are they coming back to Japan?
How much will it cost me to have Jim play solo here in Japan?
Those are serious questions...
Yes Obi. I'll be there tonight.
This gig was set up at very short notice with little publicity. What was the reasoning behind doing it now with the guys about to role out a huge promotional tour for Z across North America?
When will the band be touring here?
And last, but definitely not least, will Jim be rearranging his solo gig at St James Church in Piccadilly? He'll get plenty of reverb there! 8)
Oh yeh,
and 'Just One Thing', can he play 'Sun Rides and the Girls Scream/I Will Be There When You Die' and finish the show with 'STEAM ENGINE'?
That would be awesome [smiley=guitar.gif]
This is happening tonight, isn't it? Ooooohhh lucky duders. :)
ah, to be a billionaire and have the world as my oyster... ;)
Damn, Mr. James is probably onstage working his magic right now. Soooo jealous. How was the show?
You read my mind, kid. :)
Nice new picture, too.
It's just gone 11 here. I reckon he's just finished. We'll have to wait for loper to give us the lowdown ;)
QuoteIt's just gone 11 here. I reckon he's just finished. We'll have to wait for loper to give us the lowdown ;)
cheatin', aint no need for repeatin'
so loooove daaaawwg... ;)
C'mon loper!!
Bets on how long this show will take before it's on the internet...
I say four hours from now.
Well, I've just got home.
It blew my mind. I cannot believe how amazing his voice was.
The venue was really small, much smaller than I expected, but I think that just helped the atmosphere. Jim played some songs on the keyboard, but mostly it was just him and his guitar. The way that the audience fell into a deathly silence everytime he started singing was very impressive, he even commented on it at one point!
Best song? Tough one -- I really enjoyed Off The Record, simply because it is the only one off the new record that I had heard before (Xfm played it yesterday) and it sent shivers down my spine when he got to the chorus.
I will probably write more when I have had time to take in what an amazing event it was, and when I am less drunk.
Goodbye.
KEYBOARD?! What did he play on the keyboard? How fun is that?
Did he play omnichord?
What was the set list?
How long did he play?
doo doo doooo. Fun!
I'd love to get a copy of this show...
Thanks, Ever Classic! Whoa, a keyboard in the house, Off the Record acoustic. I say Gawd Damn!!!!!! I'm intrigued here. [smiley=pirate.gif] Can I say I am so glad this is here!
It was the Omnichord rather than a normal keyboard, sounded good. I don't have the vocabulary to put down just how great the show was.
The omnichord was a treat. Wait, getting in without a ticket was the biggest treat of all. I honestly thought there would be no chance of getting in at all without a ticket at all with such a small venue. But thanks to the guy who just handed them out for nothing to myself and another fan who spent ages pacing the sidewalk. If you're on the forum - THANK YOU.
I'm still a little unfamiliar with the new album, but the first song was an omnichord number that had a lot of the audience confused and half-amused with the 'new direction'. Of the songs I remember, 'Off the Record' was played in weird dropped D style tuning. It sounded awesome. 'Wordless Chorus' was played on the omnichord. I'm pretty sure 'It Beats for You', 'Anytime' and 'Gideon' were played too. A couple of covers - one of an Eels song '3 Speed', which floored me as its such a beautiful song and a perfect one for Jim to cover, and I'm sure there was a Bob Dylan song near the end. Jim also played a new song about a dream he had about a friend that died who he saw in heaven. He seemed to get a little teary telling the story and the song was pretty heavy. A couple of old songs were played 'Bermuda Triangle', 'Hopefully' and something else... My memory is a little here and there. I tried to record the show (I recorded Jim's last acoustic show in London a few years back) but my player screwed up in the first few minutes. As I was leaving I heard someone talking to the soundguy who mentioned the words 'FTP site' so who knows, maybe someone in the crew recorded it. The show needs to exist. It was one of those unforgettable gigs. 90 minutes of pure bliss.
Ah man, that's too cool 8)
We need to have that show!!!
Thanks for posting!
I guess I'm the only one a bit disappointed by Jim's show. :-[
As has been said, it was a tiny, intimate room, above a really cool pub. Although it was far from cool upstairs with so many people in such a small space. Jim had to have an electric fan set up beside him.
The location did seem perfect for a really personal experience, one of those 'I was there THAT night' ones that pass into legend.
The tiny stage, about 6 inches above the floor, was occupied only by a basic stool and Jim's 2 acoustic guitars. The audience were happily chatting away and there was an expectant buss all around. Then (typical of the man) Jim shuffles out of a side door, almost unnoticed, carrying his omnichord and plonks himself down on the stool. Without even looking up he starts playing it, just a loosening up instrumental, what tune it was I haven't a clue.
This is where I am not the ideal correspondent, guys, because I've deliberately avoided any pre release Z stuff, so a lot of what he plays I dont recognise. I think he starts with Wordless Chorus, accompanied on the omnichord.
Now my major disappointment of the night rears its ugly head! He swaps to acoustic guitar and kicks into Bermuda Highway. REVERB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, dont get me wrong, reverb adds such an ethereal edge to Jim's voice that I love it. But within reason. Tonight, on a scale of 1 to 10, the mic is set to 11!!!!!!!! As Jim sings 'Sometime I walk around town looking at faces......' his voice reverberates off every plane and angle within this small room. There is nowhere for it to defuse,no where for it to dissipate.It bounces straight back of the walls and back into Jim's next uttered syllable. At the best of times it needs a lot of attention to comprehend Jim's lyrics through his very personal singing style, but tonight you can hardly make out a word.
For the likes of us fans who know most of the lyrics already, it's not so bad, but for those not so familiar with the band, well they haven't got a clue what Jim is singing about! One man acoustic music is a very personal affair and it is the empathy the audience have with the troubadour's message/story that creates atmosphere. Clear diction and a story are vital in these circumstances. The reverb makes this impossible.
Some people left saying how impressed they were with Jim's vocal gymnastics, but didn't know any more about the man behind the music, at the end of the night, than when they'd walked in. They couldn't warm to him, unable to relate to the subjects he was singing about. That for me makes the gig a big disappointment.
There!!! I've got it off my chest! No doubt I will be castigated, hung, drawn and quartered for my verbal diarrhoea, but I'm sorry, that's how I saw it :'(
There were some personal highlights for me after all that. It was a wonderful surprise to hear Jim sing The Bear. The climax to this song is my fav MMJ moment and as Jim repeated 'forever' for the third time a police siren joined in, absolutely in tune! Come Closer, It Beats 4 U were other favourites.
Having been in the bar downstairs for too long before the gig started and with the 'interesting' smoke in the air making the atmosphere quite heady! my recollection of the setlist is very vague.
These are a few :-
Wordless Chorus
Bermuda Highway
Off The Record
The Bear
Gideon
It beats 4 U
Golden
Come Closer
Hopefully
A beautiful song for a friend who died (very moving). I dont know it. Is it from Z?
A couple more I didn't know.
And then the show finished as quickly as it had begun. Jim finished a number, said a quiet 'thank you' and rushed off stage left. He was gone! No amount of cheering, clapping stomping or whistling would convince him to return for an encore.
My hopes for 'I will be there when you die' and a climatic 'Steam Engine' were dashed :'(
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the one from Upstairs at the Garage a couple of years ago. That was truly one of the best shows I've ever been to.
By the way, the last song he did was a cover of "All the Best" by John Prine.
Thanks you guys for all of your stories! That's been awesome to read this morning.
Loper, I don't think anyone's going to jump on you. You're allowed to have your own experience, and I'm really glad that you took the time to write it all down.
The song about the dream is called Dondante.
It's interesting the reverb stuff. Lots of people have lots of opinions about reverb. That's cool.
So it was the omnichord, and not the keyboard. Still wicked.
You lucky old dudes. :)
Dondante? Thanks EC. I've read so much about this song that its the one I'm most looking forward to hearing on Z.
From whats been written about Z my expectations of the song was that it would be a soaring, atmospheric stormer, yet last night Jim made it a beautiful, melancholic tribute. One of the highlights of the night for me.
QuoteDondante? From whats been written about Z my expectations of the song was that it would be a soaring, atmospheric stormer, yet last night Jim made it a beautiful, melancholic tribute. One of the highlights of the night for me.
It completely made me lose my shit when I first heard it way back in June (live). Just a stunning, beautiful, headspinning song. :)
Jim also played a flawless version of Dylan's 'You're a Big Girl Now' from Blood On The Tracks.
Many thanks again to the guy outside who gave me a free ticket in.
Ah, so it was an omnichord? I was stood right at the back and saw nothing except to occasional flash of his head :(
Loper -- I have to agree with you about the reverb, it was overdone for such a small venue. Like you, I have also avoided listening to anything from Z, apart from Off The Record which i heard on the radio the other day. However, I think this helped my enjoyment of the gig. It made it all that bit more mystical. It was the first time I had every seen Jim live, so it was all a great pleasure for me.
so any idea of tape-age available for this show?
QuoteJim also played a flawless version of Dylan's 'You're a Big Girl Now' from Blood On The Tracks.
quote]
And 3 Speed by Eels!!!
Holy shit, two of my fav songs of all time.
Someone must have a recording of this.
who the hell here is ultra-jonesin' to hear this acoustic version of dondante?
meeeeeeeeeeeeee!
[smiley=guitar.gif]
I'd love to hear It Beats 4 U & Wordless.
i wanna hear the whole darn thing!
I have to hear you're a big girl now! One of my favortie songs of all-time. I wonder what versio he modeled his cover after, the album version, the original new york recording, or the amazing rendition from the rolling thunder revue. They're all breathtaking in their own ways.
Jim also played a cool version of Wonderful Man and an Acoustic version of Into The Woods..that also had a perfectly timed Police siren from the street outside, towards the endof the song. It was also nice to see Mr Leckie in the audience.
As for the reverb its the 6th member.
oh cmon!
nobody recorded this?
bump
seriously people. someone recorded this, right? I have to hear "You're a Big Girl Now"! If someone has it but doesn't want to make it public I have a shit ton of mmj live available for trade.
Sorry chaps, I'm too much of a techno muppet and I wasn't aware of anyone around me setting anything up. :-/ :(
Now see, if you all had raised the money to send me, we would all be enjoying a nice recording of this show right now.
Nice quote!! ;)
Me and Brian needs this show... anyone know of it existing?
John Prine "All The Best" :o WOW!!!!!!!!!!
Here is some proof that it exists in some form. This a 128kbps aac (m4a) file that Brian had. It says 16 of 16 in the track number and that just makes me think there has to be the rest of this somewhere... this thread won't leave the first page until it's found.
(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/2225/londonproofxb3.jpg)
another part of the puzzle from the Nashville to Ky discog page....
"Born In The USA volume 2: The New American Songbook"
Including an exclusive live version of "Sooner" as performed solo by Jim James on September 29, 2005, upstairs at The Enterprise, Camden, London, UK.
oh, cool. I just found that you bumped this. It definitely exists as a soundboard recording! I hope we find the rest of it!
I don't know if it'll help but I'm going to try and contact MoJo magazine..
Thanks to Riny! Here's the sooner track from MoJo...
http://www.sendspace.com/file/8a0rra
QuoteThanks to Riny! Here's the sooner track from MoJo...
http://www.sendspace.com/file/8a0rra
This track is fucking sweet!!! Makes me wish I had seen Jim at the Palace of Fine Arts when he came round SF last year.
Thanks once again for coming through Kory. You truly are the Data Dawg.