OurStage

~ Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC ~

Performer:

Multi-faceted Jim Armstrong has had much success since Sonic Deli Records launched his solo debut Mudtown in 2007, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Waits, Randy Bachman and Steve Earle.
He has composed music for many independent feature and corporate films and his more recent song “Sanctuary” was included in the soundtrack of episode nine of the CBC prime time television series, MVP; The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives.

Jim is currently recording his new album, Junction Road due out in early summer 2009. Both in the studio and on the stage Jim is backed by The Sonic Deli Band which includes the incredibly talented Jeff Beauchamp on bass (XMEN, Vince Gill, Jason McCoy, Lee Roy Parnell, The Meteors, Honeymoon Suite...); drummer Alvin Lapp, (who did a 3 year stint with Buddy Guy, and has done studio and tour support with The Jayhawks, Jackson Browne, Colin James, Goo Goo Dolls, The Quakes…); and Phil Kane aka the Windsor Twister (Jeff Healey, Michael Buble, Gordy Johnson(Big Sugar), Steve Lukather(Toto), Jaymz Bee...) on lead guitar.

Producer/Songwriter:

Jim Armstrong is the core and catalyst of The Sonic Deli Inc / Sonic Deli Records, a Toronto-based music production house and independent record label.
A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and producer, Armstrong began his musical career as a touring drummer at age 10.
Over the past three decades, his work has included; live performances, radio play, extensive songwriting with and for a number of artists, recording, engineering, arranging and producing independent commercial releases.

Together with his songwriting and business partner, Andrea Poulis, who has a background in film production, Jim Armstrong composes independent film scores and they have an extensive publishing catalogue available for film and television licensing.

About Mudtown:

The title and driving spirit of Jim Armstrong’s Mudtown CD were born during his wanderings through downtown Toronto, where he lives, works and walks his dogs. Armstrong explains, "Life can be dirty, rough and mean, but there's a breed of people who struggle against the grind and somehow keep their humanity. They don't get hard, like the city, and that's what makes Mudtown livable."

"Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.” — Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM

He defends the underdog through his music by dispelling the modern myth of perfection. This is an album that the working class will understand. He writes songs about real characters from everyday life, singing their stories with passion.

Straightforward but rock-solid guitar, bass and drums dominate the tracks. Musical chops are provided by Armstrong himself (guitar, drums, keys, harmonica and more), unshakable bassist Wes Miller, backup vocalist Rob Maurin, and a roster of guests on backing vocals (Debbie Shessel, Amer Diab, Jennifer Claveau) and on lead guitar including Bruce Dies, Ron Bechard, Kenji Miura (aka Kenmi Chank) and Phil Kane.
Up-tempo tracks like “She Spins Around,” sentimental tunes like “I’m Coming Home,” and the sing-along “Gypsy” are gestures to mainstream rock-pop. The image-rich “When it Rains” broods darkly in an alt-rock corner, while “Heaven Only Knows” is a rock-and-roll adrenaline kick.

See press section for reviews and testimonials

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