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THE BIG JIM PRICE BAND By Diane Gibbs & Sky Shaw of the Alexandria Old Town Crier This band rocks !!! Charismatic Jim Price was groomed to be a preacher but is now a microbiologist. He was still a child when he began singing in his grandfather’s church in Florida. At age 14 he formed a band called the Soul Flames (after his idol James Brown). He eventually moved to Detroit in time to enjoy the birth of Motown. Price formed a later group, also called the Soul Flames in the California Bay Area, and they opened for such greats as Sly & the Family Stones and Country Joe & the Fish. Years ago Jim Price lost his voice due to an accident and didn’t sing again for a long time. Friends urged him to try again. Finally, he gave in to his desire to perform and the encouragement he received. Like the Phoenix he rose again! Good thing, because other- wise we would all have missed this super sound. Jim describes his genre as “old school meets rock.†American Indian friends shared with Jim some chants that he combined with old folk gospel. Now that’s major creativity! Mix all this together and it explains the band’s unique fantastic sound. The songs on this CD are wonderfully unpredictable in melody and arrangement. All music and lyrics are written by Jim Price. Jim used to write poetry for other people for various occasions, and they suggested he put his poetry to music. Thus was born the songwriter, Jim Price. His lyrics and vocals are top rate. He also plays drums but not in the band. Jim can’t say enough about his manager and right-hand man Mike O’Hara. “He is the MC, booking agent, business man, and the one who keeps it all together.†Lady Divine (Debra Seals) is the main female vocalist and has been singing for over 12 years. Beverly Price is married to Jim and sings backup. Both female voices are superb. Beverly also creates beautiful clothing as a seamstress. Eric Atwell is so talented on guitar that fame is sure to find him. Dave Kelly thumps a mean bass and has eclectic taste in music. Kevin West, a damn good drummer, is self-taught and has many styles. We were talking about the music of today and Jim said, “It’s not real music. It’s a pre-packaged deal put together for pure commercialism. Where’s the grit? Where’s the soul? It’s a slap in the face to real musicians. A lot of people like the cookie-cutter groups. Same moves, same steps, drums & bass, one boring beat.†Britney Spears and the look-alike boy groups came to mind. Here are a few words about the cuts on the CD. You’ll want this!! If I Could Be With You has a fantastic guitar intro. Debra and Beverly’s voices are great in the background '" like dreaming. The song sounds like a 60’s rock hit. It goes off in a “Hendrix†direction with Atwell at the helm. The song fools you with unexpected. As always, Big Jim excels. Bald Headed Woman '" Classic blues chords sound great, thanks to clever lyrics by Price and his rich, full, powerful voice. Excuse the repitition, but Atwell’s guitar performance is AWESOME. Clapton and Stevie Ray could take lessons from this guy! Track List: 1. Speaking In Tongues 2. Leaving This Town 3. I'm In Heat 4. Sidesteppin' 5. If I Could Be With You 6. Bald Headed Woman 7. Spank Me 8. Arizona Moon Other Genres:
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