1. What are you currently up
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Right now I am busy writing new material for the next Pride of Lions CD - it is tentatively called "The Roaring of Dreams" and goes back a bit to the hookier approach of our first album- and a bit of Vital Signs and the Eye of the Tiger album.
Of course there's plenty of Pride of Lions identity as well. I am also doing shows with the Ides of March and preparing for a big Pride of Lions show on Oct 7th at Moraine Valley College near Chicago.
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Artist website
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2. Could you take us through the songs on the new Pride of Lions live CD/DVD eg how did you chose the tracklist etc
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I wanted to of course feature songs from the first and second POL album as well as black ribbons - but I also wanted to show my legacy by including some favorites of mine from my Survivor days.
We even pulled out a really cool version of my Ides hit from 1970 - Vehicle. As far as the POL stuff - I really think "Gone". "Unbreakable" and "Gift of Song" really worked well on the DVD.
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3. Your latest solo album has been gaining rave reviews and rightly so! Any plans to tour this album and which songs would you really like to perform live given a chance?
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I am doing a set within the POL set on Oct 7th featuring stuff from ats. Live Life for sure - and probably the title track as well as Stand and be Counted.
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4. Survivor have changed vocalists again now meaning fans can hear Survivor songs in three different bands - Survivor, Jimi Jamison band and yourself. Do you think this dilutes the band's heritage/image in anyway and what is your take on Jimi Jamison leaving for the second time and so soon after the new album?
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I am not sure what effect this will have on the image etc. I haven't spoken to either Frankie or Jimi since the split so I really dont know the story - but I was very surprised that it happened.
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5. Would you ever consider a joint tour with Pride of Lions and Ides of March on the same bill? How do you manage your time and songwriting skills between the two bands?
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I would love that - but I think I would collapse at the end of the night! I write a lot - so material is no problem.
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6. Have you been pleased with the progress Pride of Lions have made so far eg fan reaction, live shows and has the band achieved what you imagined it would do?
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It has gone beyond my dreams. It has also set a high standard- and I always want to exceed the audience's expectations- that's why me and Toby are working so hard right now to put together new songs.
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7. You have written many classic tunes down the years. What are your particular favourites and how do you approach yuor song writing?
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I love most of them like my own children- some have done better that others - but I am deeply connected to each one. I particularly like I Can't Hold Back - The Search is Over - Ever Since The World Began - Oceans - Rebel Son - Hold on Loosely and What Do You Really Think.
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8. What piece of advice would you pass on to budding musicians wanting to start out today in the music business?
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Do it because you love it- not because you hope to become famous and get rich - those motives rarely work for long. Keep the passion for what you do in your heart and play in front of people every chance you get - even if it's for free.
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9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
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I love to cycle with my wife- take my 16 year old musician son Colin to rock shows - collect guitars - and see great inspiring movies - oh yeah and eat great food and enjoy an occasional gin martini!
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10. Message to your fans...
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Thank you a millions for believing in me - and listening to my message. I believe in you- 100% love - jim
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