Jim Lampi

Jim Lampi's Greazy features a host of talented musicians. There's the legendary John Martyn on vocals and the drummer and keyboard player from his band, Arran Amun and Spencer Cozens. They are joined by singer-songwriter Marie Claire Dubaldo and Chris Wells on Brazilian style percussion.

This is an album of originals, influenced by the music that has affected Jim over the years; 70s fusion, R&B based jazz standards, Latin music, and low rider bands. The first instrument that Jim learnt to play was the saxophone, and he brings some of those sensibilities to his playing and composing.

The Chapman Stick is an amazing instrument with an unusual range of five-and-a-quarter octaves. Its unique sound has intrigued many musicians including John Martyn, with whom Jim plays on a regular basis. John adds vocals to two tracks, bringing his own musical genius to the album.

The Stick sounds like no other instrument: rather it sounds like several instruments being played at the same time. Invented in the late 1960s by Emmett Chapman, it is played with two hands using a technique called tapping. The result sounds like a guitar and bass being played simultaneously.

If you like John Martyn's music, try Jim's funky, jazz-tinged music for size, and prepare for a pleasant surprise!