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Lovers
of great Melodic Rock, it is truly time to rejoice! November 08
heralds the release of Jimi Jamison's brand new album, "Crossroads
Moment".
This
is Jimi's first recording since his swan song as lead singer with
Survivor on their 2006 release "Reach". Even upon first
listen it is apparent that something almost indefinable has changed
since that record. The music is more melodic and rocking than
ever before harkening back to those magic days of "Vital
Signs", "When Seconds Count" and "Too Hot
To Sleep". Perhaps the magic ingredient here is the addition
of Jamison's former Survivor bandmate Jim Peterik, who is back
in the role as co-producer and songwriter. To that blend, add
a Jamison more determined than ever to regain his rightful place
in the echelons of great rock lead singers.
"I
feel I have something to prove with this record. It is my chance
to say that I am back with a vengeance ready to rock harder than
ever. I think my new passion can be heard on every cut. Singing
those great Peterik melodies and lyrics felt like coming home",
says Jimi.
"Crossroads
Moments" was recorded between February and July of '08 at
Jim Peterik's World Stage Studios near Chicago. Behind the board
is longtime Peterik collaborator Larry Millas (Pride of Lions,
World Stage, Ides of March) in the capacity of co-producer and
engineer. "My main goal with this record was to keep it focused
to what the fans want the most - that means strong beats, inspiring
lyrics and soaring melodies. I feel Jimi really hit his stride
vocally as well", said Jim Peterik.
Although
Peterik wrote every song on this collection, he channelled everything
through Jamison's life philosophy and experience. "Sometimes
Peterik and I", explains Jamison "would just get together
for a beer and I'd spill out what's going on in my life. Next
thing you know he would play me a song directly inspired by that
conversation. "Crossroads Moment" comes to mind as well
as "Can't Look Away". Jim has that knack of setting
my life to music".
Variety
is the touchstone here. From hard rockers in the "Feels Like
Love", "First Night" style you will find sonic
gems such as "Battersea" (where guitar ace Tommy Denander
takes his star turn), "She's Nothing To Me" and "Love
the World Away" or the powerful "Make Me A Believer"
with Night Ranger drummer Kelly Keagy appearing as special guest.
You will also hear mid-tempo treats such as "Bittersweet"
(a duet with Starship singer Mickey Thomas) and "Till the
Morning Comes". In the power ballad department Jimi Jamison
helped write the book. Taking off from Survivor classics such
as "Everlasting" and "In Good Faith" are such
future classics like "Lost" and his ode to self acceptance
"As Is". "When Jim first played me this one my
eyes welled up with tears. I couldn't help it. It just moved me",
says Jamison.
The
recording band is largely Peterik alumni: Ed Breckenfeld on drums,
Klem Hayes and Bill Syniar on bass, Jim Peterik, Mike Aquino and
Joel Hoekstra on guitar and Christian Cullen, Jeff Lanz and Jim
Peterik on keyboards. Background vocals are handled by Thom Griffin
(Trillion, Ambition) and Jim Peterik.
As
a grand finale, they have created "When Rock Was King",
a playful looking back at the rocking 80s when we all had "big
dreams, big hair, big visions". Joining Jimi on this loving
tribute are some of his greatest contemporaries: Don Barnes of
.38 Special, Dave Bickler, Survivor's original lead singer, Joe
Lynn Turner of Rainbow, Mickey Thomas of Starship, Mike Reno of
Loverboy and Jim Peterik. A video is in the works and will be
included on the cd.
"Crossroads
Moment" is about a man standing at the juncture of future
and past: a man looking back at yesterday with bands such as Target,
Cobra and Survivor, and taking all he had learned and bringing
it into a brilliant future. All the good will he has built up
through his career of recording and tireless touring is soon to
payoff like a jackpot of success with his fan base and the countless
musicians that call him friend. Jimi had come full circle. Jimi
has come back home.
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