Artist Information
Biography
"Gorgeous, sun-struck acoustic soul" - Globe & Mail
Grand prize winner for folk in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for 2011 (May 2012).
"He’s become a favourite in the Canadian heartland. But, a record as good as ‘Staring Contest’ shouldn’t be held back by radio frequencies, regional borders or time zones. Its simple songs are endearing and unforgettable and should expand his audience to a size that reflects his undeniable talent." - NoDepression.com
Reid Jamieson is a classic Canadian heartbreaker with an incredible voice, therapeuticlyrics and a magical way with melodies. Born and raised in Toronto, Reid moved west to beautiful Vancouver BC to write and record while performing regularly with CBC’s Vinyl Cafe Orchestra. His new record Staring Contest is in available on iTunes.
More about Reid...
Back in 2004 Reid independently released an alt-country gem titled The Unavoidable Truth to much critical acclaim. Self-penned and produced by Josh Finlayson (Gord Downie Band, Skydiggers) the disc featured guest appearances from Sarah Harmer, Mia Sheard, Peter Elkas, John Southworth, and Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco).
2007 found Reid releasing a rather unintentional 50s era tribute to Elvis entitled The Presley Sessions. Initially recorded as a birthday gift for his long time sweetheart, this tender offering highlighted Reid's powerful abilities as a gifted interpreter of classic and cult tunes, as evidenced on free cover tracks he regularly posts to his web site. From Sting to Mary Margaret O'Hara - he even takes requests!
(hearing is believing: http://www.reidjamieson.com/reidoradio.htm)
In the fall of 2009 a stripped down preview of 6 new original tracks (later to be revamped on Staring Contest) could be heard on the limited run EP Courting Juniper produced by Byron Kent Wong (David Usher, The Crystal Method).
It's now 2012 and his new full length, all original (and self funded) album Staring Contest is here and features Samantha Parton (Be Good Tanyas), Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo) and Vinyl Cafe bandmate John Sheard (Dan Hill, The Henrys). Garden gnomes, unstoppable trains and no less than three proposals (!) can be found in the lyrics of this unabashedly romantic collection.
On stage Reid has a way of connecting with an audience that is at once intimate and universal, whether solo or performing with talented friends. Along with his compelling vocal style and impressive guitar work are songs that draw you in with cautionary tales of love and lies, causing tears and laughter by turns. You won't want to miss what he does next so please stay tuned for more from this tender troubadour.
File w/ Roy Orbison, Neil Finn & Jeff Buckley.
“I've heard Reid a number of times and have yet to hear a bad song or bad performance. I cannot say that about too many performers.” - Mike Hill, Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival
"He’s become a favourite in the Canadian heartland. But, a record as good as ‘Staring Contest’ shouldn’t be held back by radio frequencies, regional borders or time zones. Its simple songs are endearing and unforgettable and should expand his audience to a size that reflects his undeniable talent. - Doug Heselgrave NoDepression
“Happy to follow you, Reid. You're one of the best singers in the country.” @ThatEricAlper
"After Reid appeared on the Vinyl Cafe we received tremendous feedback from our audience. He stole the show...He blew me away." Stuart McLean - CBC Vinyl Cafe
"Achingly beautiful songs.... a haunting quality not soon forgotten" - Globe & Mail
"Prepare to be surprised" - Vancouver Province
"Absolutely gorgeous" - Maverick (UK)
"Neither derivative nor nostalgic...The Unavoidable Truth, is a work of elegant, understated beauty that juggles elements of plaintive folk, rock and countrified pop while enveloping the listener in the atmospheric glow of his soulful vocals."- Paste Magazine (4 to Watch For)
"Jamieson's songs are unabashedly crisp (take that, Bonnie Prince!), drenched in wistful piano/guitar melodies, and centered on his satin whisper." - CNet.com
'Toronto boy kicks Josh Rouse’s ass crooning indie-soul-country classics all of his own making...your life will be better with this music in it.'- Americana UK
'More than just another promising upstart... rootsy, mellow and honey-sweet.' - TorontoLife.com
'Arresting... dazzling voice' - Toronto Sun
'In a few short bars Reid stole the show' - Now Magazine
'Lovers of classic quality should acquire without hes
Instrumentation
Carolyn Mill - Harmony Vocals
Discography
STARING CONTEST
"Gorgeous, sun-struck acoustic soul" - Globe & Mail.
The new album STARING CONTEST showcases a compelling mix of acoustic soul and classic roots. 11 all original songs that include special appearances by songbird Samantha Parton (Be Good Tanyas), John Sheard (Dan Hill, Celine Dion) on piano, and Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo) on violin. The first track RAIL won the grand prize for folk in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Recorded and produced in Vancouver BC at various home studios, this record should help Reid make his mark on the world stage as not only a show stopping performer but as a composer of compelling songs in the tradition of Neil Finn, Glenn Tillbrook and Roy Orbison.
COURTING JUNIPER ~ EP 2009
Produced by Byron Kent Wong (David Usher, The Crystal Method) this EP is a stripped down acoustic preview of six tracks that also appear on STARING CONTEST. Included are songs about gardening, trains and no less than three proposals (!) can be found in the lyrics of this unabashedly romantic collection.
The Presley Sessions - AUG 2007
In honour of the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ untimely demise. Not to be confused with an impersonator, Reid lends his own compelling voice to this tender tribute, with songs originally recorded in the late 1950s. A musical love letter that will light up the hearts of Presley (and Jamieson) fans everywhere.
The Unavoidable Truth - MAY 2004
Second full length disc with all original songs. Produced by Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers, Gord Downie), and featuring Dave Clark, Mia Sheard, Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco), Peter Elkas, Sarah Harmer and more. With something for everybody, this record showcases Reid's choirboy ways and classic charm. The truth is heartbreakingly good.
The Noise in My Chest – EP - 2003
This 8 song collection of bedroom demos is aimed at fans of Reid's solo live show. Dreamy acoustic serenades featuring guitar, a little harmonica, piano and a whole lot of heart and soul. Tender and intimate, this EP shows Reid's voice and guitar picking under natural light.
Cowlick Bravado 2001
Reid's self produced solo debut is nine tasty tracks of folk pop goodness. Like many obsessive musical freaks before him, Reid recorded and played all the instruments on this delightful album all by his lonesome. Liner notes are handwritten. Seventies vibe with great drum sounds!
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REID JAMIESON and/or his music also appears on:
Theresa Sokyrka - Wrapped In Ribbon - 2007
Canadian Idol finalist Theresa Sokyrka's Christmas album features a duet with Matt Dusk and 8 cover tracks, including a song written by Reid Jamieson called "Last Day Of The Year" previously featured on his album The Unavoidable Truth.
Tucksy - The EP – 2008
New York vibraphonist Dan Mccarthy decided to cover one of Reid's tunes on his new record, we are talking about an instrumental version of 'The Television Lies'. Dan's band is called TUCKSY and the whole dang thing is lounge ready ambrosia.
Howie James - Don't Be Ashamed - 2008
Howie James (Reid's Great Uncle! ) at 75 years young has released his first album of all original material . Reid produced the disc, as well as played drums, bass and sang background vocals. This jazzy gem features Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo) and John Sheard (Vinyl Cafe). The man writes standards in the classic style and has been hailed as BC's Tony Bennett by the Globe & Mail. You just have to hear his sexy track 'Be A Woman To Me'.
http://www.howiejames.com
The Swallows - The Beauty of Our Surroundings - 2002
Glenn Milchem (drummer for Blue Rodeo) has a swell band called The Swallows. Reid sang back up vocals with on the very beautiful song 'Convince Me'.
Lewis Melville - 60 second songs COMPILATION - 2002
Lewis put together a collection of tiny songs from the rich world of Canadian music. You really need more Melv
Official Website
Links
Audio
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Rail
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My Green thumb
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Last Day Of The Year
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Summer School Of Blue
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Sum Of Your Parts
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Grass And Dirt
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Holding Out (w/ Sarah Harmer)
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Don't Forget
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Hard To Swallow
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Lyrics
Photo Gallery
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Reid Jamieson UKE 2009
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Reid Jamieson FALL 2009
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Reid Jamieson Fall 2009 guitar
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Reid Jamieson Mic
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Reid Jamieson Fall 2009 face
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Reid Jamieson fall 2009 face 2
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Presley Sessions Cover
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Reid Jamieson crop 2009
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Reid Jamieso Vinyl Cafe
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Unavoidable Truth Cover
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Reid Jamieson GTR 2009
Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As)
Press
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Top Press Quotes - Reid Jamieson
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REID JAMIESON - - "Achingly beautiful songs....a haunting quality not soon forgotten" - Globe an...
Setlist
Typical 45 minute set(s) would include mostly original songs from Reids repertoire, as well as a smattering of 50s era Elvis from the Presley Sessions, and some unique covers by Beatles, Crowded House, Madonna, Lionel Ritchie, Nick Lowe, Dylan, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn and more . Sporting an incredible voice, he plays a nylon string guitar, as well as an archtop electric (also harmonica, ukulele and drums). Harmonies are his strong suit (Reid could harmonize with a dentists drill!), and he often performs as a romantic duo with his wife and co-writer CVM. Extremely compelling solo, just as lovely with a full band.
"After Reid appeared on the Vinyl Cafe we received tremendous feedback from our audience. He stole the show...He blew me away." Stuart McLean - CBC Vinyl Cafe
“I've heard Reid a number of times and have yet to hear a bad song or bad performance. I cannot say that about too many performers.” - Mike Hill, Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival
'Utterly charming on stage, Jamieson kept a packed room in pin-drop silence... He caressed the notes with his honey-sweet croon, held a space for us all with the clarity of his vision, intent and purpose, and melted hearts throughout the set.' - Umbrella Music NXNE
'No matter where you stood ... it was like he was singing directly for you. The George Clooney of the music scene, dripping in boyish charm. Remember this one . ' (score 95!) -Chart Attack - NXNE
'The adorable frontman of now folded local outfit ALVY is one of the most underrated talents in town. ...his earnest take on natural woman, blew the roof off the house...' - Now Magazine
