::Jim Yamouridis

Country Gent Records is proud to announce the debut Irish shows of Australian born, and now French resident, singer/songwriter Jim Yamouridis. Jim’s work will be new to Irish audiences: he was the front man for successful Melbourne band The Stream and now a solo artist in his own right. Indeed, this short tour precedes the release later this year of his debut solo album. Ranging from dark ballads, tender folk songs, intense rock and ‘rembetika’ (a form of Greek blues of the early 20th century), Jim’s work is delivered with a voice deep and true.

Jim is one of the finest songwriters around and like his compatriots Nick Cave, David McComb (The Triffids), Forster/McLennan (The Go-Betweens), combines strong melodies with a literary, lyrical style; the proof of which is the calibre of artists who have sung his songs: Conway Savage (Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds) has recorded Jim’s composition ‘The Cross’ for his forthcoming album ‘Wrong Man’s Hands’ and PJ Harvey has performed his song ‘The Rider’ at her live shows. Conway also produced The Stream’s albums; ‘Origin’ and ‘You, My Friend’.

With these impeccable credentials Jim’s concerts promise to be very special.

Jim’s exploration of this particular form of traditional Greek music known as ‘Rembetika’ was recently highlighted by Bad Seed drummer Jim Sclavunos in an article written for The Guardian. This outlaw music developed in the drug dens and backstreets of Athens in the early 20th century and is virtually unknown outside Greece. Jim grew up listening to and playing this music in Melbourne (the largest Greek community outside of Athens and Thessaloniki) and is one of a few artists like Sclavunos attempting to bring it to new audiences.

Originally due to guest with Conway Savage on his now-postponed Irish tour, Jim decided to come over anyway. Says Jim “Conway loves coming over and he recommended I make the trip. I’m looking forward to it, especially the Spirit Store.”

Support is provided by Cooley Crooner Mark Corcoran. Mark released his debut album in 2001, ‘If I Speak False’, recorded in Tumbleweed Studios with Matt Crosbie of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds/Dirty Three fame. After a long lay off (arrival of daughter) he’s back playing live with some new songs and recording plans for 2005.