JIM
GILMOUR is the well-known keyboardplayer/vocalist of the Canadian band
SAGA, but he recently managed to take some time off the busy schedule of the
band in order to record his 2nd solo-CD. The particular album is filled with
high quality progressive rock which is different from SAGA. Of course it was
very interesting to do an interview with this highly skilled musician from
Canada to talk about that new record, but also about SAGA and other things from
his music career…
Let's get back to the beginning of your career, what
were your first music experiences?
At the age of 9, I got my first instrument – the accordion. I competed in
several accordion competitions in North America, where I once finished in second
place. At 17, I began taking lessons and practicing the piano and the clarinet.
Around the same time, I also enrolled in the Faculty of Music program at the
University of Toronto, and attended opera school.
Although you joined SAGA in 1981 as their main
keyboard player, the band already had a huge following in especially Germany,
did you feel that back then, because joining a band which already had a lot of
success must have been hard, as to deliver the demands required in keep it
successful, because if you form your own band you can built it up much easier
and be part of the band, so didn't you feel like an outsider?
I never felt like an outsider. We all got along from the beginning. In fact, I
was writing music and collaborating with the guys as soon as I joined. If
anything, I was very excited, curious and scared to death - all at the same
time. I was the new guy, full of ambition, and ready to blaze a trail and set
the world on fire. On my first tour I was nervous and shaking the whole time.
The late 70s and for you in the 1980s must have been
good times for SAGA, being that successful, any funny stories to share with us?
I will never forget my very first performance with
SAGA in front of a sold-out crowd at the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens - home of
my favourite hockey team - the Toronto Maple Leafs. As you can imagine, I was
feeling very nervous that day since my friends and family were going to be in
attendance. Instead of taking a limousine to the show, I rode the public transit
subway system (TTC). I also walked straight through the front entrance of the
Gardens with all the fans to get to my dressing room.
The first time we played behind the old Iron Curtain is another great story. We were the first Canadian band to play in Budapest and I remember the show was on a very cold and dreary day. The armed military were everywhere. For diplomatic reasons, the Canadian Ambassador and many Russian observers were also around. Thinking back, I can recall the Government requesting SAGA to remove “Careful Where You Step” from the set list. At the time, the lyrics were considered too controversial. In a moment of defiance, we decided to play the song in support of the fans that came to the show. Here’s another funny story. I accidentally spilled shaving crème all over my passport, which distorted my photograph. Customs didn’t believe it was my face in the picture, and it was hours later when they finally cleared the band to return home.
It seemed like SAGA was and still is primarily a
band for the European audience, because you never had a real break in the USA
and how's the popularity in Canada?
We have been away from North America for too long
and we are hoping that will change now that we are represented by InsideOut
Music America. They are huge fans of the band with ambitious plan for us. Stay
Tuned!
Today SAGA is still very popular in Northern Europe,
so I guess you will focus on more albums and live performances for the European
market in the future
yes trying to play everwhere.
Are you referring to Germany and Scandinavia? We have a very special
relationship with the fans in those countries. We are like best friends who love
to spend time together. The longer we are away, the more we miss each other’s
company. Look for us on tour beginning in April 2006.
Can we expect a follow-up to 2004's 'Network' soon?
It is hard to believe we are working on our 17th
studio album. Next year we celebrate 30 years as a band as well. For the first
time since the 70’s, the new CD called “Trust” is being made in Toronto, Canada.
Those who have heard a few demos say it reminds them of the older SAGA sound. I
am very excited about this project.
Then we're going to talk about your new solo-CD, but
first your first one from 10 years ago, I forgot all about it, please tell us
about that record?
The process was basically the same as the one used
for my second album “Great Escape”. I created the music on my keyboards first,
and then I entered the studio to record the CD with guitars and drums. On
“Instrumental Encounters”, the songs were influenced by the music and sounds of
Vangelis and Yanni.
Was there a big demand for a follow-up CD?
Here is the reason for my new CD. It has been 10
years since the release of my first album “Instrumental Encounters” and I
thought it was time to follow my heart and create the ultimate progressive
keyboard album. From start to finish the “Great Escape” was my own concept and
vision, incorporating all the music styles I love – classic rock, today’s
sounds, jazz, folk and pop music.
Then please tell us all about the new CD and the
stories behind the songs?
Modern technology allowed me to be at home and
every day I sat at my KORG keyboards and let my imagination run wild. The
creative process was pure escapism! The writing and arrangements were done there,
and then I entered the studio to record the CD with guitars and drums. There
were no pressures or deadlines so I was able to work in a relaxed and creative
atmosphere. At the time I was listening to Pat Metheny, pianist Bill Evans and
Thievery Corporation. I though my CD needed a theme so I turned to my camping
and hiking experiences in the Canadian wilderness for ideas and inspiration. I
worked very hard to create something special and I am extremely happy with the
result. The feedback to-date has been overwhelming and I am already thinking
about the next one.
All the players are exceptional artists who also happen to be my friends. You know Christian from the last SAGA album “Network”. He shared drumming duties with Roger Banks who can be heard on several projects engineered by Tom Lord-Alge. John Bianchini and I have worked on several projects together, and he also produced and played on my first solo CD. It has been my dream to work with a female vocalist, so I added Corrina Tofani’s angelic voice to several songs.
The album was released on Progrock records, one of
the better quality labels in the USA, sort a INSIDE OUT MUSIC prog specialized
label truly behind it's acts, how did you get them interested in releasing your
new solo-CD?
You can thank the President - Shawn Gordon. The “Great Escape” is the album I
have always wanted to make and Shawn and his team made it happen. Shawn is also
a keyboard player so it was a natural fit.
Back to SAGA once again, because can you tell me about the following experiences/events:
- A gig to 75'000 fans at the world famous
Nurburgring racetrack
I will never forget that show. It was in 1993 on our reunion tour in support of
“The Security of Illusion” album. Elton John was on before us and during his
performance the audience were yelling SAGA! SAGA! SAGA!
- in 1997 Canadian prime minister made SAGA National
Cultural Ambassadors
That was a great moment too. We were celebrating our 20th Anniversary in
Offenbach Germany when the show was suddenly interrupted. The band was called to
the front of the stage and a SAGA fan from Canada presented each one of us with
letters signed by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Ontario. The
letters acknowledged our many achievements and thanked us for sharing our love
of music with audiences around the word.
- GNP project in the 80s
That was an interesting time in my career. Steve Negus and I wrote radio
friendly songs and showcased the material on a limited tour of Ontario. The CD
was released only in Canada on the Virgin Canada label. Sadly, Robert Bevan, the
lead singer, recently passed away. Did you know that Sebastian Bach of Skid Row
auditioned for the lead vocalist position?
- in early 90's writing music for an American TV cop
show called 'Cobra'
At the time we were very excited to be working with one of the hottest producers
in television – Stephen J. Cannell. We spent six months in the studio writing
and recording music, but for some reason it just didn’t fit the directors vision
for the soundtrack. In 1994, SAGA released “Steel Umbrellas”, a new studio album
from those sessions.
Then finally, what are the plans for the future
(Saga and yourself)?
Our focus is to continue improving our skills as
musicians by creating new music and performing for fans everywhere. Upcoming is
the DVD release of the “Worlds Apart” album - recorded live last year, a new
studio album called “Trust”, and a tour in support of the new songs. As for me,
I am always looking for new opportunities, especially in film. I would love to
provide the soundtrack music to an independent movie or feature flick. Working
with other artists, especially jazz musicians would be an exciting and rewarding
experience.
Thanks for answering the questions, have a good
career with your band?
Thank you! See you on tour with SAGA, or on the
trails in the great Canadian wilderness.
More info at: http://www.jimgilmour.net and www.saga-world.com