Song's Writer, Janis Ian, Offers Free Files By Juan C. Ayllon I first discovered Jim Ferguson in the late 90s, when I heard his song, "Another Early Autumn" (Jim Ferguson. Not Just Another Pretty Bass. A-Records, 1999) playing on National Public Radio. That song quickly became a staple of dinner music sets at weddings where I served as DJ at the time and, later, appeared in some of my audio equipment reviews (you can read my review of his collaboration with the late Mundell Lowe, Haunted Heart, HERE). If you haven't heard him, the high tenor vocals of Ferguson, 69, are a little reminiscent of Chet Baker, but perhaps with a touch more richer harmonics and emotion. A singing bassist, the Nashville native has played with a diverse crowd, from Charlie Byrd to Al Jarreau and country/pop artist Crystal Gayle. Recently, the accomplished bass player, vocalist, recording artist and educator recorded and posted this video of him singing the song, 'Better Times,' while playing the upright acoustic bass on Facebook.
Commenting this performance, he wrote: "My friend Janis Ian wrote this song for the troubled times we're experiencing, and she asked many friends to contribute a version. I decided to make it a waltz. Hope you like it. You can hear other versions, all available for free download, here: https://tinyurl.com/jifree ." For clarification purposes, Ferguson emphasized, "Actually, the free downloads are offered by Janis Ian, the songwriter. I'm just glad to be included in the contributors." That's right: you can download various versions of this song for free by clicking on that link! With COVID-19, political unrest and social upheaval going on, this is too good not to share. So, with Mr. Ferguson's permission, I posted this up. Enjoy and be encouraged! EDITOR'S NOTE: The song's writer, Janis Ian, replied, "Thank you. The more the better, and I'm so pleased to read the Chet Baker comparison, because his phrasing as a vocalist always stuns and enlightens me." (See Comments).
2 Comments
8/7/2020 07:57:59 am
You're very welcome, Janis. I've always enjoyed Jim's performances. Thanks again!
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
May 2024
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