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I was introduced to Jim via a mutual friend as we all live in the same general area of Toronto. I have been to many of Jim's concerts, both unplugged and plugged [into Trinity Amps!] and enjoyed them all. He currently owns a Trinity Tweed and plays mostly his Tele through it. He has also played the Tramp. I have been to shows where Jim and Val Oddo played all Trinity Amps.

I really suggest you give this CD a listen and support Jim and the Sonic Deli Band.



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After Jim's well-received debut album, 2007's MUDTOWN, he began writing and recording new material with the intention of releasing another album in 2009. However things took a different, more difficult turn when Jim, while out shopping, was knocked to the ground by a store employee wielding a manual forklift. The resulting injury has been another life-altering hurdle for Jim. His left hand fingers (fretting hand) are now permanently damaged requiring him to wear metal ring splints on them 24/7. No longer able to play some instruments and having to relearn and adapt to playing others, it has a been a long and painful journey for Jim to complete his new album, JUNCTION ROAD (2010, Sonic Deli Records).

"Where rock meets twang" befits Jim's musical style; a seamless blend of Rock, Roots, Americana and Alt-Country genres that comprise the 14 tracks on JUNCTION ROAD. Jim's songs are compelling; with catchy, hooky melodies and sometimes deceptively dark lyrics. He frequently sings of hard luck stories peopled with underdogs and all their small defeats and triumphs. Notable songs include the giddy, high-energy "Dollars In His Wallet", the sweetly sad and nostalgic "Worn Out Shoes", darkly brooding "Joanne" and a rousing "Walk Alone". Whether dynamically uptempo or slow and thoughtful all 14 songs on Junction Road have a sense of Jim's enduring spirit and strong social consciousness.

Writing, arranging, singing, playing, recording and producing his own material, Jim also enlists the talent of his exceptionally fine backing musicians, collectively known as the Sonic Deli Band. SDB is comprised of drummer, Alvin Lapp; bassist Jeff Beauchamp; lead guitarist, Kenji Miura aka Kenmi Chank and lead/rhythm guitarist, Val Oddo. Special guest, Phil Manning provides Hammond B3 and additional keys. Together they have made JUNCTION ROAD a stand-out musical journey for the listener - enjoy.

Now, the much anticipated album, JUNCTION ROAD (Sonic Deli Records, 2010) is available for purchase online at CD Baby and is also available at iTunes and other digital distributors.

Sonic Deli Records

Here are the 2 main links for people to purchase Jim Armstrong's Junction Road CD:

iTunes

CD Baby

Next Concert:

Saturday, March 26, 2011 - 9pm - 1am
THE CADILLAC LOUNGE website
1300 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
Sonic Deli Records and Jim Armstrong & The Sonic Deli Band bring you the 6th Annual Raising Awareness Benefit Concert for Epilepsy Toronto. Details tba.

Don't miss this!

_________________
Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps

Album Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

After listening to the magnificent new release Junction Rd. I am now more convinced than ever that Canada does indeed have an answer to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and all others that fall into those styles, and he comes in the form of Jim Armstrong. That is all the more amazing when you consider the fact that "Junction Rd." is only Jim Armstrong's second release, yet it is still comparable to some of the best Rock, Roots, Americana, and Alt-Country you will find on todays Musical Landscape.

Health wise, life has not been to overly kind to Jim, in fact you could say that his life has been an constant and hard struggle. Having suffered and survived encephalitis at a young age, he then developed severe epilepsy which led to "Years of seizures, medications, even brain surgery" and just when you think that enough is enough, a forklift accident leaves his fretting hand permanently damaged. That lead him to rethink what instruments he could now play and adapt as necessary. All that did not however even come close to breaking his spirit, which is still as strong as ever and one which continues to shine through loud and clear on "Junction Rd."

"Junction Rd." consists of 14 tracks, all originals and all written by Jim Armstrong, but the writing is not all that Jim has contributed to this project, not by a long shot, you see he also arranged, sang, played, recorded, and produced this Album, which is an absolute testament to the Talent this amazing Canadian Artist possesses. Joining Jim on "Junction Rd." are his exceptionally talented band "collectively known as the Sonic Deli Band" an consist of, Alvin Lapp (Drummer), Jeff Beauchamp (Bass), Kenji Miura aka Kenmi Chank (Lead Guitar), and Val Oddo (Lead/Rhythm Guitar). Special Guest on this Album included Phil Manning (Hammond B3/Keys).

The first 3 Tracks of "Junction Rd." will no doubt yank you off your seat and pull you up to the dance floor, from there on the spell that is Jim Armstrong's Music will have already captivated you and any chance of retreat, will not only be futile, but it will also be unwanted. As you travel on through "Junction Rd.", you will steadily gain a profound appreciation, not only for the immense musical talent displayed on this Album, but also for the immense lyrical talent which Jim Armstrong possesses. You will be taken through lifes highest highs and lowest lows, with the over riding theme being ones ability to adapt an triumph in the end.

"Junction Rd." is certainly one of the finest Albums any artist could of hoped to achieve, in fact it can easily be displayed as a cornerstone for inspiring young Artists to take note of when life seems to be a bit of a struggle. It is also an Album I am sure that Jim and all others involved are very proud of and for very good reason.

For those that love music in the genre's of Rock, Roots, Americana, and Alt-Country, "Junction Rd." is the Album for you and considering how good this one is, you would certainly be hard pressed to find a better one, for some time to come.

I highly recommend "Junction Rd.", as it is an Album that I have when will continue to thoroughly enjoy. 5*****

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Tracklist

1. Dollars In His Wallet 3:29
2. One Day At A Time 3:16
3. David And Jenny 3:22
4. Darlin' 3:57
5. The Devil's Song 3:39
6. Foolish Crime 3:53
7. Joanne 3:20
8. Worn Out Shoes 3:33
9. Lost Again 2:56
10. Walk Alone 3:30
11. Sanctify 3:43
12. Breakers Point 3:38
13. When I Kiss You 3:19
14. Whiskey Song 3:25

Listen To Samples Here...

Guys, get out and give this a listen, and buy a few tracks.

_________________
Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps