The Jim Kirkpatrick Band
Dubbed "England's equivalent to Joe Bonnamassa" by Blues Matters, Jim Kirkpatrick has built up over a quarter-century's experience in Blues and Rock and earned a tonne of respect from his fans, peers and critics alike. Not only is he a gifted songwriter (who's written numerous nationally UK playlisted songs) but he's also a deft-fingered, multi-skilled, guitarist who's famed for possessing both Bonnamassa-type energy and slide guitar and fingerstyle— worthy of the great Duane Allman — as well.
Jim is probably best-known as the lead guitarist of the legendary British melodic rock band FM, with whom he's served since 2008. However, he's also worked and toured with many other big hitters, worldwide, several of whom have collaborated with him on his solo material, such as Bernie Marsden and John 'Rhino' Edwards.
Striking out as a solo artist, Jim made a seismic and immediate impact, and earned well-deserved acclaim, as a songwriter, guitarist, vocalist (and live performer) with his critically acclaimed, 2020, 12-track solo album 'Ballad of a Prodigal Son'. Life Music Media called it "The most important British Blues-Rock album of recent years," and proclaimed, "Jim should be regarded as being right at the pinnacle of the world's best Blues guitarist/vocalists."
Now, Jim's following up that triumphant solo outing with his forthcoming album of new material: 'Dead Man Walking.'
"I think some of my strongest tracks ever are on this album. I've incorporated some country, Americana and gospel influences in with the usual blend of rock and blues. This is new territory for me.
"The tracks 'Dead Man Walking' and 'Union Train' are southern-tinged whilst 'Promised Land' is almost like a work song.
"There's some out-and-out rockers like 'Life On The Run' and Heaven Above', and some blues and soul with 'Road of Bones' and 'The Journey Home'.
"There's one cover on the album, which is Rory Gallagher's 'I Fall Apart'. It's very different from his original version. There's an epic orchestral score on it.
Jim's current album 'Dead Man Walking" has been called 'Quite simply a masterpiece' by Metal Planet Music who gave it 10/10. Blues Matters Magazine said 'This is the album of the year, no question about it' and continued to say 'If there is a better blues/rock guitarist within this sceptres isle of ours, I'll eat my hat'! Blues In Britain exclaimed that the album is 'Quite brilliant'!
Recently, Jim has been lauded as 'the hardest working musician in the business', 'Britain's most unsung blues/rock guitar hero' and 'the biggest secret in the blues/rock world'. That is all about to change!
Written by: Terry Taylor
Often mentioned in the same breath as Joe Bonamassa, Jim Kirkpatrick is a gifted and well-respected rock and blues guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. Best known as the lead guitarist of British melodic rock band FM and for his work alongside some of the big names in rock like Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake), John 'Rhino' Edwards (Status Quo) and Ian Paice (Deep Purple), he's also a successful solo artist with two full albums under his belt.
His latest 10-track solo release, Dead Man Walking, is a mix of blues, rock and country with occasional hints of Americana and gospel.
The album opens with Promised Land which immediately signals that this latest offering is going to be stylistically different from the critically acclaimed, Ballad of a Prodigal Son. It has the feel of a southern work song, with a cappella vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar and soulful lyrics. It leads into the title track: a catchy blues-rock song with driving rhythms, soaring strings and a short but tasty solo. Written in collaboration with Bernie Marsden, Dead Man Walking was released as a single in 2021.
Razor's Edge continues the bluesy vibe and ably showcases Kirkpatrick's versatility as a musician: here, as well as leading on vocals and guitar, he plays bass and percussion. It's a song that takes you on a journey from the fuzzy guitar opening, through some restrained solos, some unexpected but memorable key and tempo changes, to a glorious goosebump moment about four minutes in … and that momentary pause just before the end? Perfect.
Life On The Run is a more upbeat, out-and-out rock song which is followed by a change in pace with the soulful, The Journey Home. The latter starts quietly, allowing the vocals to be the main focus, and gradually builds in volume as more instruments join in. It possibly won't be to everyone's taste, but what it does demonstrate is Kirkpatrick's willingness to venture outside his musical comfort zone.
The single, Union Train, was released at the end of March and was voted Classic Rock's Track of the Week. It's by no means the strongest song on the album and is slightly too long, but it has a country rock/Americana feel to it that will get your foot tapping, plus some great backing vocals from Alex McIlquham-Jones and some powerful playing by Clare 'Fluff' Smith on the fiddle.
There's a return to more familiar territory with Road of Bones. If you are a blues fan, you'll love this track: almost five minutes of pure blues rhythms and riffs, powerful bass lines, some punchy guitar licks and a delicious solo to bring it to a close. It's a song you are going to want to have on repeat it's so good.
Despite its title, Heaven Above brings you back to earth with a bump (sorry). There is nothing wrong with it musically, but it's let down by some uncharacteristically clunky lyrics which are an unwelcome distraction from what is an otherwise solid blues-rock number. Thankfully, order is restored with the penultimate song, Hold On; its upbeat tempo, impressive vocal harmonies and classic blues-rock guitar riffs are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
The album closes with a superb rendition of Rory Gallagher's, I Fall Apart. It retains the spirit of the original but there's a greater emotional intensity to this version courtesy of a huge orchestral score which adds extra richness and depth. The guitar playing on this song is sublime and when the solo kicks in, it's spine tingling! Kirkpatrick is at his very best in this song and it definitely leaves you wanting more.
Dead Man Walking is an album that confirms Jim Kirkpatrick's place as one of the most skilful and talented blues-rock guitarists around. It's well worth a listen.
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